According to a Chennai Corporation health official, the findings came to the fore during a recent survey across the city. “Leptospirosis spreads from the urine of rodents and when the sewer water mixes with inundated rainwater, it increases the possibility of an outbreak. People coming in contact with that water are susceptible to the bacteria. In the aftermath of floods, many cases of Leptospirosis have been reported,” the official said.

The official explained that the 192 spots include places where the sewer is overflowing or clogged. In a move to ensure unobstructed sewer flow during heavy rain, the Greater Chennai Corporation has decided to send a letter with the list of the 192 spots that the civic body identified to Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (CMWSSB). “The letter is ready, and it will be sent to Metro water in one or two days,” the official added.

Meanwhile, the civic body also tested water samples from many vulnerable areas in the city where chlorine content is low. “We have given a list of places where there is insufficient chlorination in drinking water and requested Metrowater to up the chlorine content in those areas,” he explained.

Talking of dengue awareness campaigns being carried out in the city, the official explained that stickers on preventions of dengue have been stuck in public places. “For the past few months, only two or three dengue cases were treated. But last year, there was a dengue outbreak throughout the state. However, campaigns are being conducted to avert another outbreak during monsoon,” the official added.

When asked about the 192 overflowing spots, a Metrowater source said that action would be taken based on the letter. “We are yet to receive the letter,” the source said.