After intense vector breeding control exercises, the state health department has managed to bring down the number of dengue cases in the city although stray cases of suspected dengue deaths spurt every now and then. However, government hospitals are overflowing with patients with cases of viral infections for the past one-week. The OP ward at GH has seen a 40% increase in the number of patients following the showers last week.
Government hospitals are continuing to conduct dengue awareness programmes and SRM medical college hospital and research centre also released a pamphlet on the dangers of dengue to educate the public. Public health officials have assured that the number of dengue cases have come down in the past few days. "Till last week we had over 98 cases and through this entire week only five persons have been diagnosed with the fever. Out of the reported number, over 80 patients have been successfully treated and discharged so far," said a senior health official.
However, private labs in the city are diagnosing more cases of leptospirosis and similar infections. Dr. Chandran at the GH says, "Lots of patients we see have picked up infections because rainwater has mixed with sewage and flown into their houses. This problem is persistent in North Chennai."