Image used to represent | Photo credit: istock
Alleviating concerns over a sharp rise in dengue cases in Tamil Nadu, the Department of Public Health (DPH) and Preventive Medicine on Wednesday (September 17, 2026) said the spread of dengue this year is neither unusual nor alarming and urged the public not to panic.
The department issued the statement to allay public fears that there has been a significant increase in the number of dengue fever cases in the state this year.
It said the spread of dengue fever this year was neither unusual nor at alarming levels. Every year during the monsoon season, seasonal variations in dengue incidence naturally occur due to changes in climatic conditions.
It said a comparison of official data from January to September over the past three years provides a clear picture of the current situation. In 2024, dengue fever affected a total of 34,339 people and 13 deaths were reported. In 2025, 15,688 people were affected and 13 deaths were recorded. This year, as of September 16, 16,334 people have been affected and nine deaths have been reported, the report said.
However, according to official data from the National Center for Vector-Borne Diseases Control, 27,378 dengue cases were reported in the state in 2024.
DPH noted that the rainy season typically sees an increase in the breeding of Aedes mosquitoes, which transmit dengue fever. In particular, conditions conducive to increased mosquito breeding may occur from October to December and hence dengue cases are continuously monitored and prevention and control measures have been strengthened.
Control measures
Officers have been deployed across the state to coordinate efforts to prevent and control dengue fever. Fever units were established to monitor patients with fever and ensure timely treatment. Triage of patients was carried out to assess the health status of patients and provide appropriate treatment on a priority basis depending on the severity of the disease.
The department said mosquito control measures, including larval control and source reduction, are being implemented across the state.
DPH encourages public cooperation
In its message to the public, DPH emphasized the need for the public to work with the government on measures to prevent and control dengue fever. He urged the public to ensure that water does not stagnate in and around homes and to ensure that water does not accumulate in unused plastic items, coconut shells, old tires, flower pots and other containers. They should identify and immediately remove sources of mosquito breeding in and around their homes, and fully cooperate with the mosquito control and dengue prevention measures taken by the government and local authorities.
If symptoms such as fever occur, they should immediately contact the nearest primary health center or government hospital for medical advice and appropriate treatment. It said the transmission of dengue fever can be controlled more effectively if the public cooperates in the preventive measures taken by the government.
Published – September 17, 2026 12:08 pm EST.
