INTRODUCTION : The most common vector-borne disease that is most prevalent is Dengue, which in its severe form can be fatal. Tamil Nadu has witnessed multiple epidemics in the past, with a cyclical trend occurring every five years. There are multivarious efforts to mitigate the dengue outbreak, which is endemic, by using a variety of preventive and control measures.
OBJECTIVE : The current study aims to assess the preventive and control methods used to combat Dengue and prevent the cyclical trend of outbreaks in Tamil Nadu.
METHODOLOGY : This retrospective study analyzed Dengue cases reported in Tamil Nadu from 2012 to 2023 and the control measures adopted to prevent and control the spread of Dengue infection. The data includes all the Dengue cases reported in the Sentinel Surveillance Hospitals (SSH) of Tamil Nadu under the National Vector Borne Disease Control (NVBDC) Program.
RESULTS : In Tamil Nadu, Dengue cases were identified throughout the year with an increase in incidence during monsoon (August). Since 2012, there are 2 peaks, one in 2012 with 13,204 cases and the other in 2017 with 23,294 cases. The commonly used anti-larval and anti-adult chemicals were Temephos 50% EC, Technical Malathion and Pyrethrum extract 2%. The number of positive mosquito pool for viral markers by RT PCR was higher in 2021.
CONCLUSION : As the outbreak of Dengue virus continues to prevail in today's world, the development of safe, costeffective, and potential preventive and control measures, the development of new and improved techniques against dengue plays an important role in outbreaks prevention.