Tamil Nadu Sees Highest Dengue Cases in 2025 with Low Mortality Rate

Dengue Cases Surge in Tamil Nadu

Chennai, Jan 8: Tamil Nadu has recorded the highest incidence of dengue in India for the year 2025, although the number of fatalities has remained low due to timely detection and effective medical responses, as per the latest statistics from the Union Health Ministry.

From January to November 2025, the state documented 20,866 dengue infections along with 12 deaths. Health officials indicated that the elevated case numbers are not indicative of an uncontrolled outbreak but rather reflect the robustness of Tamil Nadu’s disease surveillance and reporting framework, which monitors infections from primary health centers to advanced care facilities.

Among the southern states, Kerala faced the highest number of dengue-related deaths, tallying 49 fatalities and 10,239 cases in the same timeframe.

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

The trend of dengue cases in Tamil Nadu over the past five years shows a consistent increase. In 2021, the state reported 6,039 cases and eight deaths, followed by 6,430 cases and eight deaths in 2022. The numbers rose to 9,121 cases with 12 deaths in 2023, and a significant jump to 27,378 cases and 13 deaths in 2024.

Officials from the health department stated that the persistently low mortality rate highlights the success of early diagnosis, clinical oversight, and prompt treatment protocols.

"The surveillance system in Tamil Nadu is strong, ensuring accurate case capture across all healthcare levels," an official remarked.

Dr. Janani Sankar, Medical Director, noted that dengue cases have started to decline since the last week of December. "Currently, we are observing an increase in cases of typhoid, diarrhea, dysentery, and respiratory infections, primarily linked to winter conditions and travel-related factors," she explained.

Supporting this perspective, Dr. S. Chandrasekar, Head of General Medicine at Government Stanley Medical College Hospital, mentioned that while dengue cases typically persist until February, they have begun to decrease earlier this year due to reduced rainfall, especially in Chennai.

"Mosquito breeding tends to decrease during winter, resulting in fewer dengue cases. However, it is crucial for individuals to maintain safe water storage practices, as uncovered containers can still serve as breeding sites," he warned.

Health authorities continue to emphasize the importance of public vigilance, asserting that prevention remains essential even as case numbers decline.