Chennai: Tamil Nadu records the highest number of 40 deaths due to dengue in the country, with late referrals and late diagnosis being the primary reason for the fatalities. A total of 14,465 dengue cases and 40 deaths have been reported in Tamil Nadu till date, as per the recent data released by National Vector Borne Diseases Control Programme (NVBDCP). Though Kerala recorded the highest number of 19,053 cases, 35 deaths were reported.
After the latest inspection by the five-member team from the Central government, the public health department is ensuring that all fever cases are tested for dengue test within the first three days as per the WHO protocol.
Government hospitals have stated in the dengue review meetings that late referrals led to most of the mortalities due to dengue, with the largest number of deaths at Institute of Child Health.
“Most of the paediatric dengue deaths were due to late referrals from private hospitals. As per the WHO protocol, dengue test is being carried as soon as the fever cases are reported at the hospitals.
It will help to identify dengue patients at a non-critical stage and dengue can be cured with appropriate treatment,” said Dr Ravi Chandran, dean, Institute of Child Health.
As per the recommendations from the central team, a rapid NS1 antigen test is done to screen for dengue at all government hospitals at the 24/7 fever clinics and in fever wards.
“All fever patients are being tested for dengue. A NS1 antigen test is conducted from day one to day five and IgM test on the sixth day to screen all patients and provide them with the appropriate treatment,” said public health director, Dr K. Kolandaisamy.
