A sanitation worker sprays mosquito repellant in a residential area at Tennur in Tiruchi.
| Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
With intermittent rainfall lashing the city over the past few days, the Tiruchi Corporation has stepped up preventive steps to curb the spread of vector-borne diseases, including dengue and scrub typhus.Corporation workers have intensified anti-dengue drives across all 65 wards while dense shrubs and weeds near residential areas are cleared and insecticides sprayed to reduce the risk of scrub typhus, a disease transmitted through the bites of infected larval mites commonly found in overgrown vegetation and grassy areas.According to M. Karthikeyan, City Health Officer, routine anti-dengue activities have been strengthened in view of the recent rains. A team of 40 Domestic Breeding Checkers (DBCs) in each zone has been deployed to identify and eliminate mosquito breeding sources.Anti-mosquito fogging is being carried out using portable fogging machines in all wards and high-power fogging vehicles across the Corporation’s five zones. Insecticides are being sprayed in open storm-water drains and drainage channels.Officials have directed workers to focus on densely populated residential areas and locations prone to water stagnation. Anti-dengue measures, including bush clearance and cleaning of water storage tanks, were undertaken at government schools and anganwadi centres, Dr. Karthikeyan said.The Corporation has intensified water quality monitoring. Chlorination of drinking water supplies has been stepped up, particularly in areas where residents report discoloured water or changes in taste. Health officials are collecting water samples from vulnerable localities and inspecting the distribution network to prevent contamination after rainfall.“Water samples are regularly tested and all overhead tanks, tail-end connections, and pit taps are cleaned periodically. Chlorination is increased wherever necessary,” Dr. Karthikeyan said.Regular medical camps are being conducted at urban primary health centres across the city to monitor and address seasonal health concerns. Published - June 05, 2026 07:01 pm IST
