Chennai, Jan 8 (NationPress) In 2025, Tamil Nadu has emerged as the state with the highest incidence of dengue cases in India, although the associated mortality rate has remained low due to early diagnosis and prompt medical care, according to recent figures from the Union Health Ministry.

From January to November 2025, the state documented 20,866 dengue cases with only 12 fatalities. Health officials clarified that the elevated case numbers reflect the robust nature of Tamil Nadu's disease surveillance and reporting system, which effectively tracks infections from the primary health centre (PHC) level through to secondary and tertiary care facilities.

In comparison, among southern states, Kerala experienced the highest number of dengue-related deaths, tallying 49 fatalities and 10,239 cases during the same timeframe.

Andhra Pradesh reported 2,384 cases with five deaths, while Telangana saw 8,139 cases but no fatalities, and Karnataka had 6,759 cases, also without any deaths.

The trend of dengue cases in Tamil Nadu over the last five years illustrates a consistent increase. In 2021, 6,039 cases and eight deaths were recorded; this rose to 6,430 cases and eight deaths in 2022. Reports indicated 9,121 cases and 12 deaths in 2023, and a significant spike in 2024 with 27,378 cases and 13 deaths.

Officials from the health department noted that the low mortality rates highlight the success of early diagnosis, clinical monitoring, and immediate treatment strategies.

“The surveillance system in Tamil Nadu is highly efficient, capturing cases accurately across all healthcare levels,” stated an official.

Dr. Janani Sankar, Medical Director, mentioned that dengue cases have started to decline since late December. “We are now observing an increase in cases of typhoid, diarrhea, dysentery, and respiratory infections, primarily due to winter conditions and travel-related factors,” she explained.

Dr. S. Chandrasekar, Head of General Medicine at Government Stanley Medical College Hospital, concurred, noting that dengue cases typically persist until February but have begun to fall earlier this year due to diminished rainfall, particularly in Chennai.

“The reduction in mosquito breeding during the winter months results in fewer dengue cases. However, it is essential for people to maintain safe water storage practices, as uncovered containers can still serve as breeding sites,” he cautioned.

Health authorities continue to stress the importance of public vigilance, asserting that prevention remains crucial even as case numbers decrease.