Chennai, Oct 5:
Dengue infections in the city more than doubled in September, prompting health authorities to intensify surveillance and mosquito-control measures ahead of the northeast monsoon.
Chennai recorded 1,290 dengue cases in September compared with 605 in August. The city also reported 72 fresh cases on September 30, according to health department data.
Tamil Nadu had recorded more than 18,000 dengue cases and nine deaths up to September 30. Chennai has been identified among the districts reporting a higher incidence of the disease.
The Health Department has stepped up fever surveillance, while the Greater Chennai Corporation has deployed 3,690 domestic breeding checkers across its 15 zones to identify and eliminate mosquito-breeding sources.
Residents have been advised to remove stagnant water around homes, keep stored water covered and maintain cleanliness to prevent the breeding of Aedes mosquitoes. Hospitals have also been asked to strengthen preparedness for dengue cases.