Dengue spread neither unusual nor alarming this year: Tamil Nadu Directorate of Public Health

Account subscription benefits alongside Premium Stories, Editorials, Opinions and more. Unlock these with Subscription

Allaying apprehensions over the surge in dengue cases in Tamil Nadu, the Directorate of Public Health (DPH) and Preventive Medicine on Wednesday (September 17, 2026) said the spread of dengue this year was neither unusual nor alarming, and urged the public not to panic.

The Directorate issued a statement to allay apprehensions among the public that dengue fever cases have increased significantly in the State during the current year.

It said that this year, the spread of dengue was neither unusual nor occurring at an alarming level. Every year, seasonal variations in dengue cases occur naturally during the monsoon due to changes in climatic conditions.

It said that a comparison of official data from January to September over the past three years provided a clear picture of the current situation. In 2024, a total of 34,339 persons were affected by dengue and 13 deaths were reported. In 2025, 15,688 persons were affected and 13 deaths were reported. In the current year, as of September 16, 16,334 persons were affected and nine deaths were reported, the release said.

However, as per the official data put out by the National Centre for Vector Borne Diseases Control, there were a total of 27,378 dengue cases in the State in 2024.

The DPH noted that usually, breeding of Aedes mosquitoes that transmit dengue increased during the monsoon. In particular, conditions conducive for increased mosquito breeding may occur from October to December, and hence, dengue cases were being continuously monitored, while preventive and control measures were intensified.

Officers were deployed across the State to coordinate dengue prevention and control measures. Fever wards were established to monitor patients with fever and to provide timely treatment. Triaging was undertaken to assess the health condition of patients and provide appropriate treatment on a priority basis based on the severity of the illness.

The directorate said that mosquito control measures, including larval control and source reduction, were being taken up across the State.

Making an appeal to the public, the DPH stressed the need for the public to work along with the government in dengue prevention and control measures. It requested the public to ensure that water does not stagnate in and around their houses and to ensure that there is no water accumulation in unused plastic items, coconut shells, old tyres, flower pots, and other containers. They should identify and immediately remove mosquito breeding sources in and around their houses and extend full cooperation to the mosquito control and dengue prevention measures taken up by the government and local bodies.

If symptoms such as fever occur, they should approach the nearest primary health centre or government hospital to seek medical advice and appropriate treatment without delay. It said that dengue transmission can be controlled more effectively if the public extends cooperation for the preventive measures undertaken by the government.

Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences.