Dengue raises its head, awareness drive intensifies

A reliable source in a private hospital speaking on condition of anonymity, said they have had a few cases of dengue in the past few days. “The dengue cases were in the age group of 30-40 years. Similarly, we had a few cases of malaria and leptospirosis that are largely in the same age group. However, they have been treated and all are recovering well,” added the source.

Doctors also said that the recent rains have triggered a number of cases of viral fever, apart from sinusitis and rhinitis. Those with asthma are experiencing an aggravated condition due to the intermittent rains, they added. When DTNext contacted doctors in the government hospitals in the city, they denied that there was an alarming spike in the cases of fever. Dr Ramesh DA, resident medical officer, Stanley Medical College and Hospital, said that there was only a marginal rise in such cases. 

“We are seeing more number of cases of pharyngitis and cold due to this sudden change in weather. But these are extremely common, during this time of the year,” he added. Dr K. Kolandasamy, Director, Public Health and Preventive Medicine, said that the situation is well under control, as the fever scare in Tiruvallur had prompted them to ramp up precautionary measures in Chennai as well.

Health helpline:  To help those suffering from seasonal illnesses, 104, the round- the- clock helpline has launched special services to offer tips and treatment details for various ailments for callers from across the districts. The helpline that receives more than 1,500 calls every day guides callers  on preventive measures and treatment options. Through radio jingles, door-to-door source reduction checks and campaigns involving students, city health officials are going all- out to increase awareness, especially among the student population in schools and colleges. Students are being roped in as hygiene ambassadors and have taken pledge to prevent the disease.