Daijiworld Media Network - Chennai

Chennai, Sept 15: A surge in dengue cases across Tamil Nadu’s Krishnagiri district has triggered a large-scale response from health authorities, with intensified anti-dengue operations now underway to curb the spread of the disease.

District health officer Dr G Ramesh Kumar confirmed that 48 dengue cases were reported in August, with 27 new infections recorded in just the first two weeks of September.

“Last month, we were seeing only one or two cases per week. Now, more than five are being reported weekly. Eight cases have come from Shoolagiri, five from the Hosur City Municipal Corporation, and four from Hosur town,” he said.

Key Measures in Place

To combat the outbreak, officials have deployed 30 Domestic Breeding Checking (DBC) workers in each of the district’s ten blocks. These teams are responsible for:

• Daily fogging operations
• Chlorination of overhead water tanks
• Clearing breeding grounds in institutions and industries
• Conducting fever camps in hotspot areas

Dr. Ramesh Kumar also confirmed that 16 hotspot zones have been identified based on medical reports. In these areas, fogging, fever screenings, and awareness campaigns are being conducted for three consecutive days.

“We have mobile medical units stationed at 40 locations and conduct 40 to 50 fever camps daily. Residents are advised to avoid self-medication, drink boiled water, and immediately seek help at government health centres if fever symptoms appear.”

Diagnostic Surveillance Enhanced

Authorities are collecting blood samples not just to test for dengue but also for other common monsoon-related illnesses such as:

• Leptospirosis
• Scrub typhus
• Typhoid
• Hepatitis A

So far in 2025, 330 dengue cases have been confirmed across the district, including 48 in August and 27 up to mid-September. This is a decline compared to last year, which saw 173 cases in August and 133 in September, with the total count reaching 707 cases.

Urban Commuting Linked to Cases

Dr. Kumar noted that towns like Hosur, Shoolagiri, and Rayakottai typically report higher numbers due to their proximity to Bengaluru and high commuter traffic. However, he pointed out that since Bengaluru has seen a drop in dengue cases this year, Krishnagiri’s affected zones have also reported fewer cases compared to 2024.

Public Awareness Key

As the district battles the seasonal spike, officials are urging residents to eliminate stagnant water sources, cover water containers, and cooperate with health teams during inspections and fogging drives.

The situation remains under close watch, with continuous monitoring and public health interventions to prevent further spread.