Chennai, Sept 5:
Tamil Nadu has recorded a rise in dengue and swine flu cases compared with last year, with health experts calling for greater preventive measures ahead of the monsoon season.
According to Public Health Department data cited in the report, 13,573 people in Tamil Nadu had contracted dengue between January 1 and August 30 this year, with nine deaths reported.
Dengue cases, which had declined after January, began rising again from June. The State recorded 1,722 cases in January, 1,322 in February, 1,228 in March, 1,201 in April, 1,062 in May, 1,384 in June, 2,339 in July and 3,315 in August.
The rise was particularly sharp during July and August compared with last year. July cases increased from 1,880 in 2025 to 2,339 this year, while August cases rose from 1,832 last year to 3,315.
Chennai recorded the highest number of dengue cases in the State, with 2,584 infections between January and August. Coimbatore followed with 1,999 cases.
The report noted that Tamil Nadu recorded 25,533 dengue cases last year, after higher levels of infection during the 2022-2024 period. With the monsoon yet to begin, health officials said the trend in the coming months remained difficult to predict.
Swine flu cases have also increased. Of around 9,000 cases reported across India, Tamil Nadu accounted for 1,558 cases and one death, placing the State second nationally in terms of infections.
The State recorded 1,777 swine flu cases in 2024 and 1,288 in 2025, while the figure has already reached 1,791 this year. August alone saw a sharp increase, with cases rising from 46 last year to 645 this year.
Government doctors attributed the higher incidence in Chennai partly to population density and inadequate adherence to public health precautions. They advised people with contagious fever, particularly swine flu, to take appropriate treatment and remain isolated for at least five days where necessary.
Doctors also urged residents to focus on mosquito control, environmental cleanliness and personal health precautions, while stressing that there was no need for public panic if preventive measures were followed.