Chennai: Alert issued for diseases amid cyclonic rains

Chennai: As Cyclone Ditwah continues to lash Chennai, raising concerns of flooding, the city’s health authorities have launched a major preparedness plan to prevent a surge in monsoon-related illnesses.
The rapid increase in waterlogging has forced officials to focus on early detection and prompt treatment of seasonal illnesses such as fever, diarrhea, fungal infections, and injuries, as well as prepare for a surge in snakebite cases.
State Director of Public Health Dr. A. Somasundaram said that all 424 upgraded Primary Health Centers (PHCs) in Tamil Nadu – including 140 in Chennai – have been put on high alert. He said, “Doctors, nurses, and support staff are on duty at all upgraded PHCs. A nurse will be on call even after working hours to ensure uninterrupted service.”
Urban health centers have been instructed to stock oral rehydration salts, antifungal ointment for waterborne infections, paracetamol, anti-snake venom serum, antibiotics, and other essential medications.
To reach flood-affected areas, five mobile medical units of the government’s Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram and 15 vans—typically used for school health screenings—have been deployed across Chennai to provide first aid and basic medical care.
More vehicles are on standby in Tiruvallur and Chengalpattu districts if the situation worsens. Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) officials said families displaced by the floods will be shifted to any of the 215 relief centers, where screening for fever and other illnesses will be conducted.
“If anyone needs advanced treatment, they will be immediately referred to the nearest government hospital,” said Dr. M. Jagadeesan, city health officer. He said electricians and plumbers have been put on alert to ensure uninterrupted power supply to all hospitals and urban health centers.

Officials have advised people—especially pregnant women, senior citizens, and those with chronic illnesses—to store medical records and important documents in dry, secure locations to avoid damage during a potential evacuation. Public health teams are monitoring social media platforms, including X, to track potential clusters of illnesses reported by the public.
Officials said this digital surveillance will help them respond quickly with field teams or virtual medical guidance. They said that while the number of cases is currently manageable, a gradual increase in monsoon-related illnesses is expected in the city in the coming days as rains continue due to Cyclone Ditwah.