Vol. 2, Issue 3, Part C (2015)

Author(s): P Philip Samuel, R Paramasivan, A Selvam, R Govindarajan, K Venkatasubramani, S Victor Jerald Leo, T Mariappan, N Arunachalam

Abstract: Entomological observation in Theni district was initiated taking cognizance of the ongoing epidemic during the month of February 2015 in the blocks like Aundipatti, Periyakulam, Theni, Bodinayakanur, Chinnamanur and Cumbam. Among the positive containers, cement cisterns (21.35%), plastic containers (19.1%), plastic drums (17.98%), cement tanks (16.85%) and the metal containers (12.36%) were the major breeding containers contributing to the dengue vectors. Indoor containers outnumbered the outdoor containers in these areas. The principal dengue vector is Aedes aegypti only. Many places in Tamil Nadu deficit in the rainfall which reduces drinking water supply and the people are forced to store water in open containers. In Tamil Nadu most of the dengue cases were reported during Northeast monsoon and hardly there were any cases in winter season, but this outbreak occurred only during the winter season (January-February). Moreover this outbreak was recorded both in the urban and rural environment of Theni district. Source reduction is an astounding task to be carried out in the water starved Aundipatti region and rural areas compared to the urban areas. Since there is a shift in the dengue prevalence to the winter season this year 2015, establishment of routine permanent dengue surveillance system both in the urban and rural agglomerations is the only solution to detect and reduce the further emergence of this dreaded disease.