Tiruchi's Urgent Battle: Corporation Intensifies Health Surveillance Amidst Spike in Seasonal Illnesses

Tiruchi is on high alert as the Corporation significantly ramps up its health surveillance and preventive measures to combat a worrying surge in seasonal illnesses. With the city grappling with an uptick in cases of fever, cold, cough, and particularly dengue, authorities are leaving no stone unturned to safeguard public health and curb the spread of these ailments.

Data from the city's urban primary health centres (UPHCs) and urban community health centres (UCHCs) paint a concerning picture.

In February alone, a staggering 1,387 fever cases were reported, alongside 48 confirmed dengue cases. The cumulative figures for January and February are even starker, with a total of 2,752 fever cases and 60 dengue cases recorded. This marks a notable increase compared to previous years, where 2,367 fever cases and 31 dengue cases were registered in the same period of 2023, and 1,027 fever cases with zero dengue cases in 2022.

The rising numbers underscore the urgency of the Corporation's intensified efforts.

In a determined push, the Corporation has launched extensive source reduction activities across all 65 wards. Health workers are meticulously visiting households, identifying and eliminating potential breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

This crucial initiative targets stagnant water in various often-overlooked spots, including discarded tyres, coconut shells, plastic containers, unused vessels, and even within the premises of public buildings. The focus is particularly acute on areas where the notorious Aedes aegypti mosquito, the primary vector for dengue, thrives.

Beyond source reduction, a multi-pronged strategy is in full swing.

Intensive fogging operations are being carried out in all four zones of the Corporation – Srirangam, Ariyamangalam, K. Abishekapuram, and Golden Rock – to control adult mosquito populations. Simultaneously, special medical camps have been established to provide immediate care and diagnosis for residents exhibiting symptoms of seasonal illnesses.

Furthermore, the distribution of Nilavembu kudineer, a traditional Siddha herbal concoction known for its immune-boosting properties and effectiveness against fever, is a key preventive measure.

Public awareness forms a critical pillar of this campaign. Health workers are not only conducting surveillance but also actively engaging with residents, educating them on the importance of maintaining hygiene, preventing water stagnation, and recognizing early symptoms of illnesses.

The Corporation is appealing to citizens for their active cooperation, emphasizing that community participation is vital in this collective fight against seasonal diseases. As Tiruchi battles this health challenge, the Corporation remains committed to implementing comprehensive strategies to protect its residents and ensure a healthier urban environment.