Tamil Nadu has recorded 15,796 cases of dengue and eight deaths so far this year, Health Minister Ma. Subramanian said on Tuesday.
While the Minister maintained that dengue was presently under control in the State, it should be noted that this year’s caseload is already among the highest (so far) recorded in the past five years. Last year, the number of cases surged to 27,378, and 13 deaths. In comparison, there were 6,039 cases and eight deaths in 2021, 6,430 cases and eight deaths in 2022, and 9,121 cases and 12 deaths in 2023, according to the data published on the website of the National Center for Vector Borne Diseases Control.
The rise in dengue cases is primarily due to mosquito breeding in stagnant water collected around homes after rainfall, particularly in discarded items such as coconut shells. The departments of municipal administration and rural development are taking various measures to prevent breeding of Aedes mosquitoes through source reduction at houses, fogging operations and anti-larval spraying, he told reporters during the sidelines of a meeting held along with Minister for Municipal Administration K.N. Nehru to discuss the preparatory measures for the northeast monsoon.
Mr. Subramanian said the previous regime shared dengue case numbers from government hospitals alone with the media, whereas the present government, since taking office, has been transparent by also providing data from private hospitals.
He reiterated that though 15,796 cases have been reported, deaths due to dengue are under control. Most of them who died had co-morbidities and delayed seeking medical help resulting in progression of disease. “This is why we are taking measures to create awareness in all districts. Dengue is under control now,” he said.
He said that in view of the northeast monsoon, nearly 10,000 medical camps have been planned. “Medical camps are regularly held in places where more than three cases of fever, or diarrhoea are reported,” he said.
Published – October 07, 2025 06:30 pm IST
