Daijiworld Media Network - Chennai
Chennai, Sep 19: Dengue cases are rising across Tamil Nadu with the onset of the monsoon, prompting the state government to intensify mosquito-control and disease-surveillance measures.
According to the state health department, 244 of 1,320 people tested across Tamil Nadu were confirmed to have dengue, with nearly 200 cases reportedly being detected daily. As of September 15, the state had recorded 16,577 dengue infections and nine deaths.
Chennai remains among the worst-affected areas. As many as 156 people suffering from fever were admitted to hospitals in the city in a single day, of whom 87 subsequently tested positive for dengue. Chengalpattu, Coimbatore, Tiruvannamalai, Krishnagiri, Salem, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, Thanjavur and Villupuram have also reported high numbers of cases.
The state government has deployed more than 25,000 workers across Tamil Nadu to strengthen preventive measures. The teams are engaged in eliminating mosquito-breeding sources, sanitation work and monitoring fever cases in vulnerable areas. District administrations and health officials have also been directed to strengthen preventive measures and ensure timely treatment.
Health Minister Arun Raj said dengue cases had shown a marginal increase over the past seven days and urged people not to panic. The public has been advised to prevent water stagnation in and around homes and seek medical attention for persistent fever.
Naam Tamilar Katchi chief coordinator Seeman alleged that negligence by the TVK government had contributed to the rise in cases and demanded large-scale distribution of nilavembu decoction and kabasura kudineer at places where people gather. His remarks are allegations and have not been independently established.
Concern also emerged at Anna University following the death of student Harish Kumar after persistent fever. His death came four days after the deaths of students Mridula and Jayashree, causing anxiety on the campus. However, the Directorate of Public Health clarified that Harish Kumar did not have dengue and died of scrub typhus.
Meanwhile, Dr Reddy’s Laboratories has entered into an exclusive agreement with Japan’s Takeda Pharmaceutical to promote and distribute Qdenga in India’s private market. Qdenga received marketing authorisation from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation in July for people aged four to 60 and is expected to become available in the first half of 2027, subject to completion of applicable regulatory and quality processes.
The vaccine is administered in two doses three months apart and is designed to protect against all four dengue virus serotypes. The agreement covers private-market paediatric and adult vaccination in India.