Tamil Nadu records 17,049 dengue cases by mid‑September, marking third year of decline

Dengue cases in Tamil Nadu dropped to 17,049 up to September 19, 2026, continuing a three‑year downward trend. The State Health and Family Welfare Department logged 25,585 cases in 2025, 46,971 in 2024 and 56,863 in 2023. The fall between 2023 and 2024 was 17%, while 2025 saw a 46% cut from the previous year. The 2026 figure covers only nine months, so it cannot be directly compared with full‑year totals. Nine dengue‑related deaths were recorded by September 19, 2026, down from 12 in 2025, 13 in 2024 and 12 in 2023. Dengue spreads through the bite of the Aedes mosquito and can cause high fever, body aches and, in severe cases, dangerous complications. Warning signs include persistent abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, bleeding and extreme weakness, all of which need immediate medical care. While the numbers suggest a sustained decline, officials say the data do not explain why cases are falling. Ongoing surveillance and mosquito‑control measures remain essential to prevent a resurgence.