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Tamil Nadu: Vector borne diseases rise to 9,750 cases in 90 days

The promise by State health to control dengue has proved false as 3,660 new cases were witnessed in the state since July 13.

Chennai: In spite of several measures by the State Health Department in Tamil Nadu to control vector borne diseases, the number of dengue, malaria, chikungunya and other infectious diseases has not gone down in the last two months. The number of vector borne diseases, including the cases of malaria, kalaazar, Japanese encephalitis, dengue, filaria and chikungunya rose to 9,750 from 4,845 in last one and a half month.

As per the epidemiological report released by National Vector Borne Diseases Control Programme, Tamil Nadu has recorded an increase of 49.37 percent when compared to 2016. The promise by State health to control dengue has proved false as 3,660 new cases were witnessed in the state since July 13. The state stands second for the highest number of dengue cases reported in a state all over the country. “Malaria is under control in government hospitals. We are providing radical treatment with Chloroquine and Primaquine as per the malaria drug schedule and we have prevented deaths so far,” said Dr Narayana Babu, dean, Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital.

With around 20 filarial endemic districts and 12 Japanese Encephalitis endemic districts in Tamil Nadu, public health is concerning in the state. Villupuram, Cuddalore and Perambalur are most affected; even though the State health department has been running an immunisation programme. When contacted, the Health Secretary J. Radhakrishnan said, “National Strategic Plan against mosquito-borne diseases focuses on eliminating the high number of vector-borne diseases. The state health department is coordinating with Greater Chennai Corporation to prevent the outbreak of infectious diseases. The situation is under control and government hospitals are carrying out immunisation on a large scale.”

( Source : Deccan Chronicle. )
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