Tenkasi district has recorded a remarkable decline in dengue cases following intensified surveillance, mosquito breeding prevention and community awareness activities implemented across the district..
District Collector Ranjeet Singh told The Hindu that the district reported 520 dengue cases in 2024 and 235 cases in 2025. During the current year, 209 cases have been reported till October 10.
Up to June 2026, a total of 129 dengue cases had been reported.
After a slight increase was observed during July and August, with 30 cases in July and 33 cases in August, the district administration and the Public Health Department intensified field-level surveillance and dengue control activities across all village panchayats, town panchayats and the Shencottai, Tenkasi, Puliyangudi, Kadayanallur and Sankarankovil municipalities.
To strengthen the household-level surveillance and eliminate mosquito breeding sources, the number of Domestic Mosquito Breeding Checkers (DBCs) has been increased from 781 to 1,550 across all village panchayats, town panchayats and municipalities.
“This enhancement enabled more intensive household inspections, identification and elimination of mosquito breeding sites, and focused monitoring of high-risk areas,” Mr. Ranjeet Singh says.
A total of 1,039 dengue prevention medical campaigns and medical camps were conducted across Tenkasi district, benefiting 27,190 people. The campaigns focused on creating public awareness of dengue prevention, eliminating stagnant water and mosquito breeding sources, promoting personal protective measures, encouraging early reporting of fever and strengthening community participation in dengue control activities.
“Following the intensified interventions, dengue cases declined substantially with only 12 cases reported in September 2026. The declining trend has continued up to 10 October 2026. However, we’re maintaining the momentum,” Mr. Ranjeet Singh said.
The dengue ‘attack rate’ has also decreased from 1.7 to 0.5, indicating a substantial reduction in the reported disease burden.
Adequate equipment and insecticide stocks have been made available to support ongoing dengue prevention and control activities throughout the district. The available anti-dengue operation resources include 68 pulse fogging machines, 46 mini fogging machines, 700 litres of temephos and 1,000 litres of pyrethrum.
“These resources will support continued mosquito control operations, particularly in areas identified as high-risk,” the Collector says.
Although dengue cases have declined, surveillance and preventive activities are continued with same vigour across the district. The public, through the ongoing campaign by the local bodies, is urged to avoid water stagnation, keep water storage containers covered, maintain clean surroundings, and cooperate with Domestic Mosquito Breeding Checkers during household inspections.
“People experiencing fever should seek timely medical evaluation at the nearest government health facility and follow medical advice by the doctors there. The district will continue to strengthen surveillance, source reduction, community awareness and coordinated field-level action to sustain the decline in dengue cases and prevent further transmission,” Mr. Ranjeet Singh said.
Published - October 14, 2026 09:40 pm IST