Tamil Nadu has recorded 21,655 dengue cases and 10 deaths since January 1 this year, as the state government steps up mosquito-control and preventive measures ahead of the northeast monsoon, Health Minister Arunraj said during an inspection in Chennai on October 8.
The minister visited a fever-prevention medical camp in Vadapalani and reviewed dengue-control work being carried out from house to house. He said the inspection was part of the state’s monsoon preparedness measures, with a focus on eliminating mosquito-breeding sites and improving public awareness.
According to the figures cited by the minister, 21,655 people in Tamil Nadu have been confirmed to have dengue between January 1 and the day before the inspection. Ten people have died from the disease during the same period. The report did not provide a district-wise breakdown of cases or deaths.
The state’s prevention campaign is centred on removing stagnant water, which can support the breeding of dengue-transmitting mosquitoes. The minister urged residents to ensure that water does not accumulate on household terraces and said public cooperation was essential for controlling the disease.
Households found to be creating conditions conducive to mosquito breeding may face a fine of Rs 10,000, the minister said. The proposed enforcement measure places responsibility on residents and property owners to prevent stagnant water from collecting in areas such as rooftops and other parts of private premises.
The city’s drainage and canal infrastructure is also part of the response. The minister said Chief Minister Vijay had instructed officials to accelerate canal works in Chennai. The report did not specify the locations of the canals, the scope of the works or the revised completion schedule.
The connection between monsoon preparedness and municipal infrastructure is significant for dengue control because water accumulation can occur not only inside homes but also in public drains, canals, construction areas and other open spaces. The minister’s inspection combined field-level mosquito-control activity with a call for household-level prevention, indicating that the state’s current approach involves both civic agencies and residents.
During the interaction with reporters, Arunraj was also asked about the health of V S Babu, a Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam MLA who has been undergoing prolonged treatment. The minister said the hospital had been issuing reports on the legislator’s condition and that officials would ask for a current medical report. No further medical details were provided in the report.
The minister’s visit comes as Tamil Nadu prepares for the seasonal increase in rain-related public-health risks. The immediate official focus is on completing mosquito-control inspections, preventing water stagnation and speeding up canal-related works in Chennai, while residents have been asked to cooperate with the state’s dengue-prevention measures.
