The death of the Anna University student was not caused by dengue fever, the Ministry of Public Health clarifies

Anna University authorities say they have allayed fears and started screening students for typhoid along with dengue and leptospirosis. | Photo credit: B. VELANKANNI RAJ

The cause of death of Anna University student at Kilpauk Medical College Hospital (KMCH) on Friday was scrub typhus and not dengue, the Directorate of Public Health and Preventive Medicine said on Saturday. Dengue panic gripped the campus and dozens of students showed up for blood tests.

A 20-year-old hostel inmate came to Kalaignar Centenary Super Specialty Hospital in Guindy on Thursday (September 17, 2026) with high fever for four days and was referred to KMCH the same day. He died the next day. “Diagnosis: typhus. No diagnosis of dengue fever. This is the only reported case,” the department posted on X.

The post came after social media and some TV channels reported that there was an outbreak of dengue fever that claimed three lives.

The news raised alarm on campus and students rushed to the primary health center for tests. The doctor said that in the last 15 days, around 80 students have turned up in the morning and about 50 in the evening with general symptoms of fever and cold. The deceased student reported to the health center with similar symptoms on September 14, and a complete blood count (CBC) was performed on the third day of the fever on September 16, according to protocol. The CBC report recorded a platelet count of 1.38 lakh, which ruled out dengue, but the patient did not collect the report, the doctor added.

“I don’t know what happened between then (September 16) and Friday. Other than that, ours is only a primary health centre. We do blood tests and send students as soon as they come back with any findings,” the doctor said. About five cases of dengue fever have been detected on campus in recent weeks. “The students were immediately advised. They have since recovered and been discharged,” he added.

Till noon on Saturday, around 70 students had turned up for screening at the health center as soon as the dengue outbreak was reported. University authorities said they have allayed fears and started screening students for typhoid along with dengue and leptospirosis.

Screening camp and sanitation drive

Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has set up a special screening camp for hostel inmates, informed a doctor. Additionally, GCC Commissioner GS Sameeran inspected the intensive sanitation and mosquito control work going on at the Anna University campus in Guindy. A total of 100 workers were involved in sanitation operations, including removing accumulated garbage and waste and carrying out anti-mosquito measures, a press release said.

Dr. Sameeran inspected the ongoing work and directed the officials to ensure that garden waste and garbage are removed from the campus and the premises are kept clean, the release said. He also directed officials to prevent water stagnation, to curb mosquito breeding and to carry out anti-mosquito fogging. Officials were further instructed to keep a constant watch on the students and provide appropriate treatment whenever needed, the report added.

According to a report by Dr. Sameeran also instructed officials to implement similar hygiene measures in all educational institutions across Chennai. He directed officials to conduct regular inspections and monitor the implementation of these measures, the report said.

Anna University Registrar V. Kumaresan, City Health Officer M. Jagadeesan and other officials were present, the report added.

Published – 20 Sep 2026 0:25 AM IST