Chennai civic body steps up dengue control as city sees over 650 cases in September

The Greater Chennai Corporation has deployed 3,597 workers across 15 zones as dengue cases climbed past 650 this month. The intensified inspections, fogging and fever surveillance reflect the city's push to curb a wider outbreak.

In Short

• Chennai deploys 3,597 workers for dengue control across 15 zones
• Over 650 dengue cases reported in Chennai in September
• Fines imposed on commercial sites with mosquito breeding

The Greater Chennai Corporation has intensified vector control and dengue prevention work across the city’s 15 zones, deploying 3,597 workers to inspect premises and remove mosquito breeding sources as dengue cases rise. More than 650 dengue cases have been reported in Chennai so far in September, a senior corporation official said on Sunday.

Following a review meeting, Corporation Commissioner GS Sameeran instructed officials to maintain strict and continuous surveillance, especially in educational institutions, and to work with complete dedication to protect public health, the official said.

To strengthen field operations, Domestic Breeding Checkers and public health staff are being given continuous monitoring and coordination training. Each worker has been assigned to inspect 80 to 100 households every day across all wards to identify and eliminate possible breeding sources such as discarded tyres, coconut shells, broken glassware, and unattended open spaces in commercial complexes, construction sites and government buildings.

The official said fines are being levied on commercial establishments found with active mosquito breeding grounds.

As part of larvicidal measures, Abate solution is being applied to water storage tanks, while Mosquito Larvicidal Oil is being used in canals and stormwater drains. Regular indoor and outdoor fogging operations are also under way to control adult mosquito populations, the official said.

On the medical front, doctors at Urban Primary Health Centres, Urban Community Health Centres and Health and Wellness Centres have received refresher training in fever management.

The official said, "Adequate stocks of essential medicines are available at all facilities." He added that "fever surveillance has been integrated across hospitals, clinics, and diagnostic labs, with discharged fever patients monitored for three consecutive days".

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