Chennai: Dengue fever is intensifying in Tamil Nadu. Shock was caused yesterday when news emerged that an Anna University student had died of dengue fever. The government has advised the public to keep their surroundings clean and remain vigilant.
Due to climate change, the population of ‘Aedes aegypti’ mosquitoes, which spread dengue fever, has increased. As a result, the number of people affected by dengue fever has risen. So far this year, more than 16,500 people in Tamil Nadu have been affected by dengue.
As dengue fever is spreading more widely across Tamil Nadu, the Health Department has intensified preventive measures. Special wards have been set up in government hospitals to treat those affected by dengue. All hospitals have been instructed to keep adequate stocks of medicines. District administrations have also been directed in this regard.
Meanwhile, Harish Kumar, a student who had been staying and studying at the Anna University campus in Chennai, had been receiving treatment at Kilpauk Government Hospital after being affected by fever, but he died. Information was later released that the student had died of dengue fever.
The hospital administration, which has denied this, said, “Harish Kumar was brought in by his friends for treatment while he was unconscious. He underwent various tests, including a blood test.
The test results did not confirm any dengue infection. He was suffering from a severe fever of some kind. He had not received proper treatment for the fever and had not even drunk water.
As a result, his lungs failed. As one organ after another stopped functioning, the student died. If the student had been admitted to the hospital as soon as the fever started, he could have been saved,” they said.
Anand Raj, a student of Anna University, has also been affected by fever and is undergoing treatment at Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital. It is said that he has dengue, and that several more students at Anna University have also been affected by dengue.
Regarding this, Health Minister Arunraj told reporters yesterday: In Tamil Nadu, as of the 14th, 61 people had been affected by dengue fever; on the 15th, 133 people; and on the 16th, 283 people. However, this number has decreased to 244 on the 17th. Dengue cases are also high in other states.
There is no need for people to be afraid, as this is a fever that can occur due to seasonal changes. The Health Department is taking all necessary measures seriously. Appropriate treatment is being provided to everyone affected.
So far this year, 9 people have died in Tamil Nadu due to dengue fever. Daily fever case details are being monitored. Public cooperation is also needed in dengue mosquito eradication efforts. Since prevention is better than cure, care should be taken to ensure that rainwater does not stagnate in the areas surrounding homes. Mosquito eradication workers have been instructed to go door to door and remove any stagnant water.
Warnings have been issued to factories and construction companies where rainwater had accumulated. Already, as a first phase, permanent jobs have been provided to 2,500 nurses. They will be made permanent gradually. Nurses will also be appointed on a contract basis through the District Welfare Association. Minister Arunraj said this.
Save the Retina Scheme: Earlier, the launch event for the ‘Save the Retina’ scheme was held yesterday at the Chennai Egmore Government Eye Hospital. Health Minister Arunraj participated in it. Later, speaking to reporters, he said: With the aim of detecting at an early stage diseases that can affect the retina and vision, and providing advanced specialized treatment, the ‘Save the Retina’ scheme is set to be launched soon.
The scheme will be implemented in the 385 block government primary health centres, 37 district headquarters hospitals, 150 urban primary health centres, and government general hospitals, district hospitals, and medical college hospitals in Tamil Nadu. He said this. Director of Medical Education and Research (in-charge) Loganayaki, Hospital Director Nayagamurthy, and others were present.
Warning to private hospitals: Since complaints have been received by the health department that private hospitals are charging extra for dengue fever treatment, a warning has been issued to private hospitals.
When asked about this, health department officials said, “An inquiry will be conducted into whether private hospitals are taking advantage of the situation to collect extra charges. If the charges differ from the usual fees, legal action will be taken. If necessary, a ban will be imposed on treating fever. If it is found that private hospitals are collecting extra charges, the public can file complaints by calling 104.”
