Tamil Nadu has recorded 21,655 dengue cases and 10 deaths since January 1 this year, Health Minister Arunraj said during an inspection of fever-prevention and mosquito-control measures in Chennai’s Vadapalani, as the state prepares for the seasonal rains.
The minister visited a fever-prevention medical camp and inspected door-to-door dengue-control work in the area. He said mosquito-eradication measures were being reviewed as part of the state’s monsoon preparedness and called for public cooperation in preventing mosquito breeding.
According to the figures cited by the minister, the 21,655 cases were confirmed across Tamil Nadu between January 1 and October 7. Ten people have died from dengue during the same period. The report did not provide a district-wise breakdown of cases or details of the age and health profile of those who died.
The minister urged residents to ensure that water does not collect on household terraces and in other containers around their homes. Stagnant water can create breeding conditions for mosquitoes, making household inspections and removal of unused water a key part of the prevention campaign.
The state has also warned that a fine of Rs 10,000 may be imposed where premises are found to be contributing to mosquito breeding. The measure places responsibility on property owners and occupants alongside the government’s public-health operations, including inspections, fever camps and mosquito-control activity.
The minister also said that work on Chennai’s canals should be completed quickly, adding that Chief Minister Vijay had instructed officials to accelerate the work. The report did not specify which canal projects were covered by the instruction, their current completion status or the revised deadlines.
The timing of the campaign links dengue prevention to the city’s drainage and water-management systems. Seasonal rain can leave water standing in terraces, construction areas, vacant plots, roadside containers and poorly maintained drains, increasing the need for coordinated action between health officials, municipal teams and residents.
Separately, Arunraj was asked about the health of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam MLA V.S. Babu, who has been undergoing treatment for an extended period. He said the hospital had been issuing medical updates and that officials had asked for a current medical report. No further details about the legislator’s condition were provided in the report.
The minister’s inspection comes as Tamil Nadu’s authorities continue fever-prevention activities ahead of the rains. The next steps identified in the report are continued mosquito-control work, household-level prevention and the release of an updated medical report on Babu’s condition.
