Chennai: As many as 85 people have died in Tamil Nadu due to fever since January, out of which 35 deaths are directly related to dengue, health secretary J. Radhakrishnan said on Sunday and appealed to people to make sure that tanks and drums that store water be “completely closed” to prevent them from becoming breeding ground for mosquitoes.
Radhakrishnan also said the government was taking all possible measures to prevent the spread of dengue in Tamil Nadu and that there was no shortage of medicine or blood for treating patients who are diagnosed with dengue. The health secretary made the comments after visiting government hospitals and neighbourhoods in Tiruvallur, Manavala Nagar and Tiruttani in Tiruvallur districts.
“So far 85 people have died due to fever since January. We can relate 35 of these deaths directly to Dengue. The state government is taking every possible step to prevent the spread of dengue by creating awareness among the public on the precautions to be taken,” Radhakrishnan said.
The health secretary, who is spearheading the efforts to prevent the spread of dengue, visited neighbourhood areas in Manavala Nagar and Tiruttani on Sunday and explained to the people on the need to keep water tanks and water storage drums “completely covered.”
“Uncovered or partially covered tanks and drums that store water is a very big breeding ground for mosquitoes. Every tank or drum should be covered completely so that they don’t become a breeding ground for mosquitoes. We requested people to follow these steps and those I met on Sunday were very receptive,” Radhakrishnan said.
Maintaining that the government has asked local bodies to clear the garbage in neighbourhood areas to prevent the spread of dengue, Radhakrishnan also asked people to ensure that their tanks are cleaned at least once a week. “During this season, tanks should be cleaned every week, before filling fresh water. People are very receptive when we explain to them on the do’s and don’ts,” he said, adding that people’s participation will be a big boost to the government’s efforts in controlling the spread of the dreaded disease.
