Around 17,000 dengue cases have been reported in the State so far this year, a figure lower than the number recorded two years ago, Minister for Health, Medical Education and Family Welfare K.G. Arunraj said at the Erode Collectorate here on Monday.
Speaking to reporters after participating in a video conference chaired by Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay to review preparedness for the northeast monsoon, Mr. Arunraj said preventive measures were being taken to check the spread of dengue. He stressed the need to prevent mosquito breeding, particularly in stagnant rainwater.
The Aedes mosquito that transmits dengue can breed even in a small containers holding rainwater and generally bites during the daytime, he said.
Adequate beds were available in government hospitals, and doctors had also been instructed to follow the standard treatment protocol for patients reporting fever.
During the meeting, the Chief Minister instructed all departments to take precautionary measures to ensure that the monsoon did not affect the public. He also directed officials to prevent rainwater stagnation and ensure preparedness to deal with any situation arising from the monsoon.
On the shortage of nurses, Mr. Arunraj said 4,724 nurses would be recruited district-wise through district welfare societies.
Asked about the opposition faced by TVK candidate V. Sathyabama during her campaign for the Dharapuram bypoll, Mr. Arunraj said the incident was a planned act by a few people opposed to the TVK candidates.
“Everyone knows who did it,” he said. Though slogans were raised during the campaign, people continued to support the party and expressed confidence in its victory in the bypoll, he said.
Published – September 21, 2026 07:53 pm IST
