Tamil Nadu now has 125 ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay) testing centres for diagnosing dengue in government medical college hospitals and district and sub-district hospitals.
Health Minister C. Vijaya Baskar said that the number of testing centres were increased from 31. He said that following rain, there was a slight increase in fever cases in the State, according to a press release.
Rapid Response Teams were formed at the taluk level in every district. If more than three persons reported with fever in any area, these teams would identity the cause for fever and take preventive measures. Special fever camps would also be held.
Fever control measures were being taken up on a war-footing in all districts. A 24-hour control room is functioning at the Directorate of Public Health. The public can contact the control room at 044-24350496, 24334811 and mobile numbers 9444340496 and 8754448477, he said.
A total of 20,000 temporary workers were appointed and involved in source reduction activities in households. He added that the Drugs Control Department had advised pharmacies not to issue medications without prescriptions to public.
J. Radhakrishnan, Health Secretary, said there are 1,100 cell counters in the government sector. These machines would provide blood parameters within a minute.
The Minister flagged off 82 mobile medical teams and rapid response teams and held an awareness meeting with members of Indian Medical Association, Indian Academy of Paediatrics, owners of hotels, theatres, traders, heads of schools and colleges and Chennai Corporation officers on preventive measures for dengue and H1N1 influenza on Tuesday.