At 2,343, Tamil Nadu has recorded the third-highest number of dengue cases in the country as of September 13, as per the National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme’s statistics. The number of deaths stands at five. But, the State has also seen a rapid decline in the number of cases over the last few years – in 2012, there had been 12,826 cases and 66 deaths.
“As of now there are one or two cases being reported from across the State every day, but the disease has not reached epidemic proportions. It is also being managed far better now, leading to fewer deaths,” said director of public health, K. Kolandaisamy.
But with an outbreak of the disease in Delhi rapidly claiming lives and the monsoon only a few weeks away, the Directorate of Public Health (DPH) is stepping up measures on parallel fronts – to control the breeding of the Aedes mosquito, and to treat and manage the viral infection.
“Since January, we have intensified our breeding control measures. We now have domestic breeding checkers – one person for every 300 households – who visit homes to clear any potential breeding sites such as unused containers, old tyres and open water tanks. The checkers cover 50 households a day. We are also trying to involve schools and educate residents on getting rid of breeding sites,” said Dr. Kolandaisamy.
This apart, all hospitals and laboratories have been asked to report infections as part of the directorate’s fever surveillance programme. “We are also holding continuing medical education programmes for government and private doctors on treatment protocols. The Central government has sent us the National Guidelines for Clinical Management of Dengue Fever, which is based on the World Health Organisation’s protocols, which we train doctors in,” he said.
The DPH is also working with the Directorate of Drugs Control to prevent quacks from prescribing medication and to stop over-the-counter buying of drugs, said Dr. Kolandaisamy.
Over the last few weeks, T.V. Devarajan, senior consultant at Apollo First Med Hospital, has seen a rise in the number of dengue infections.
“Residents have to know that if they develop a fever, they should take plenty of fluids and Paracetamol. If the fever does not subside, or is accompanied with rashes and severe joint pain, consult a doctor immediately. The earlier, the better,” said Dr. Devarajan.
Drinking tender coconut water, rice kanji with salt and nilavembu kudineer are also recommended, said Dr. Kolandaisamy.
L.N. Padmasini, head of the paediatric medicine department at Sri Ramachandra University, also said there had been a spurt in the number of dengue cases. “In this season, if a child develops fever, parents should seek medical help at once. They should also be aware about getting baseline blood investigations done,” she said.
With water usage patterns changing, dengue is no longer only seasonal, say doctors, and sporadic cases are reported throughout the year. Prevention is always preferable and so, keep your premises clean, said Dr. Kolandaisamy.
Warning signs of dengue:
Watch for warning signs especially when the fever subsides. This may be about 3 to 7 days into the illness. Go to a hospital immediately if any of these warning signs appear.
Severe abdominal pain |
Persistent vomiting |
Red spots or patches on the skin |
Bleeding from the nose or gums |
Vomiting blood |
Black, tarry stools |
Drowsiness or irritability |
Pale, cold, or clammy skin |
Difficulty in breathing |
Source: Kanchi Kamakoti Childs Trust Hospital
