Chennai: After recording the highest number of dengue cases and deaths in the state last year, the health department is on its toes to prevent the outbreak of any vector borne disease this year. Tamil Nadu recorded 23,035 dengue cases and 63 deaths in 2017. The state health department has joined hands with state district administration personnel to prevent the incidence of dengue this year.
Under the national vector borne diseases control programme, IgM kits are issued for diagnostic purpose of various vector-borne diseases. Of the total allocation of 1,070 IgM kits for vector borne diseases, 850 have been allocated for better diagnostic facility of dengue in the state. As against the usual allocation of 500 IgM kits for dengue, 300 additional kits have been provided to the state this year.
Under the national vector borne diseases control programme, 30 government hospitals from Tamil Nadu have been listed under sentinel surveillance hospitals for monitoring dengue cases. Adding to the preparatory measures against dengue, the state health department has instructed all government hospitals to continue blood sample tests for dengue for all fever cases reported at the hospital for early reporting of suspected dengue fever cases,” said public health director Dr K Kolandaisamy.
Continuing the practice of observing Dengue Awareness Day every Thursday of the week, every public health centre will organise a mass awareness drive in association with educational institutions or welfare associations in the locality,” he said.
In a meeting with the district administration department, the state health department has drawn up action plans to conduct domestic breeding checks for the management and prevention of vector borne diseases. “Various establishments including educational institutions, commercial complexes, hospitals and construction sites were fined for harbouring mosquito-breeding sources last year. District administration personnel will conduct domestic breeding checks across the state as the monsoon commences,” added Dr Kolandaisamy.
The health education department of the Greater Chennai Corporation has also roped in the civic authorities to conduct a survey on mosquito breeding structure and breeding activity. “Apart from awareness drives, more than 160 entomologists will send reports on breeding activity thrice a week to identify breeding patterns and assist in monitoring and surveillance of vectors,” said senior officials from the corporation health education department.
“We have been conducting dengue awareness drives along with local residents and educational institutions. Distribution of pamphlets and door to door campaigning is also in practice to prevent an outbreak as in 2017. We do not have any drug or vaccine available for the treatment of dengue or dengue hemorrhagic fever. Early detection with proper case management and symptomatic treatment can help reduce mortality substantially,” said health education officer T. Srinivasan.
