Prevention is always better than control

Chennai: Intensified measures by the State health department to control dengue seemed to come too late after around 15,000 cases were reported and more than 50 deaths occurred in Tamil Nadu. 

With the commencement of northeast monsoon, infectious diseases like malaria, cholera, chikungunya, viral fever and flu are on the rise and authorities need to act now to prevent these cases spiking before they need to control it.

While dengue cases are alarming, chikungunya cases have increased to 96 in October from 52 in September and malaria cases have spiked to 3,315 from 2,207 since last month. Japanese encephalitis cases recorded till October are 58 and encephalitis syndrome cases have increased to 905 which were 22 and 659 respectively in September, as per the report by National Vector Borne Diseases Control Programme.

Though the authorities claim to have taken up cleanliness campaigns, streets and even main roads remain dumping grounds in many localities. Full dustbins and water logging on roads are not only causing breeding of mosquitoes, but can also increase water-borne diseases in the city.

“The risk of diseases goes up as diseases carrying pathogens are highest during the rains. Water logging leads to breeding of mosquitoes and ultimately an increase in cases of malaria, dengue and other types of fever later is witnessed,” said Dr Anitha Ramesh, doctor at Apollo Speciality Hospital. 

Leptospirosis has been a common health concern of doctors. Children are likely among the most affected due to large exposure to rainwater. Dr Ravi Chandran, dean of Institute of Child Health says, “Fever cases are common these days but paediatric patients complaining of viral fever, brain fever, dysentery and diarrhoea are increasing. Children have low immunity and easily fall prey to these diseases."

Everyday inspection of dengue wards at government hospitals by health department officials, distribution of Nilavembu Kudineer at movie theatres, hospitals, bus stops and railway stations by public administration department officials, the fining of school owners, private firms and construction site owners by domestic breeding inspectors were some of the field work initiatives taken up by the health department to curb the spread of dengue.

However, so much of screaming and fining by the government to ‘prevent it’ comes only when dengue cases have reached alarming numbers. Authorities need to ponder on the situation and act before other diseases become significantly high.

When contacted, Public health director K Kolandaisamy said that government hospitals are monitoring all vector borne diseases and health department is aware of the prevalence of all viral and infectious diseases. “The prime focus is to control and prevent dengue and initiatives such as cleanliness and awareness campaigns are being done, which shall also halt the growth of other viral infections,” he added.

Total number of cases reported by October

Dengue 15,000 cases
52 deaths
Malaria - 3315
Chikungunya 98
Japanese Encephalitis 58
Encephalitis syndrome 905