With the Northeast monsoon setting in and heavy rains lashing several parts of Chennai and Tamil Nadu, the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has intensified medical and preventive measures across the city to curb seasonal illnesses and waterborne diseases.
According to Chennai City Health Officer Dr. M. Jagadesan, nearly 1,000 fever cases have been reported in the last two months, but there has been no major spike in dengue or other waterborne infections so far. To contain any potential outbreak, a total of 447 medical camps were organised between 17th and 24th October, including a mobile medical unit for remote coverage.
The majority of these camps were held in low-lying and flood-prone areas. A total of 17,960 people received medical check-ups during this period, with 5,500 persons attending the camps on Friday alone. Seasonal illnesses such as fever, cough, skin infections, and minor wounds are being actively treated at these camps to prevent escalation.
Meanwhile, GCC has intensified its mosquito eradication drive. Field workers are conducting door-to-door inspections to identify mosquito breeding sources such as overhead tanks, underground sumps, wells, and discarded containers. Any larvae found are destroyed immediately to break the breeding cycle.
Officials say these proactive measures are crucial in preventing a surge in vector-borne diseases during the ongoing monsoon season. The corporation continues to urge residents to maintain hygiene, avoid water stagnation, and extend cooperation to field workers during inspections.