The Tamil Nadu government will conduct studies to identify new ways to prevent the spread of dengue fever
Image used to represent | Photo credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto
Health and Family Welfare Minister KG Arunraj told a rally on Tuesday (September 8, 2026) that the state government will conduct scientific studies to identify new ways to prevent the spread of dengue fever in Tamil Nadu. It will be conducted as three cluster randomized controlled trials in the Kadayanallur area of Tenkasi district, which has a high incidence of dengue.
Dr. Arunraj said the studies will investigate whether additional protection against the bites of the Aedes mosquito that transmits dengue fever can be obtained through topical mosquito repellents applied to the body, natural mosquito repellents such as lemon eucalyptus oil and vaporizers, and whether their use causes any side effects.
Although topical mosquito repellents can prevent mosquito bites when used individually, there have been no field studies or data to determine whether their use at the community level can reduce the spread of dengue, he said.
Dr. Arunraj said that although successive governments in Tamil Nadu have taken various measures to prevent dengue fever, it continues to be a major public health concern. In 2025, a total of 25,580 people were affected by dengue and 12 deaths were reported. A total of 14,581 people have been affected and nine deaths have been reported so far this year.
The study will determine the most effective mosquito repellent, assess the combined benefit of bed nets and topical mosquito repellents, and assess other protective measures at the household level. Each study will have 48 clusters with 20 households in each cluster. According to him, approximately 2,880 households will participate in these three studies.
The studies, which will be conducted at an estimated cost of ₹ 43 lakh, will also assess adherence to the interventions, public acceptability, feasibility of implementation and cost.
Published – 08 Sep 2026 15:15 IST