20K dengue cases, 8 deaths recorded in Tamil Nadu this year

CHENNAI: A total of 20,138 dengue cases and 8 deaths have been recorded from January 1 to November 5 this year, the health department said in a statement.

Surveillance has been intensified and all steps are being taken to contain the spread of dengue, it said. Delay in seeking medical care had led to the death of the eight persons, which includes a six-year-old girl from Chengalpattu district. With the intensified efforts, dengue mortality has seen a notable reduction this year compared to previous years, the statement added.

The statement comes in the backdrop of accusations of negligence from opposition party over the death of the girl.