Vector Borne Disease Control Programme
Vector Borne Disease Control Programme
Vector Borne Diseases continue to be important public health concerns requiring sustained surveillance, early diagnosis, prompt treatment, integrated vector management and community participation.
Tamil Nadu has implemented comprehensive control strategies for Malaria, Filaria, Dengue, Japanese Encephalitis and Chikungunya through surveillance, vector control, public awareness and strengthening healthcare systems.
1950
Malaria Control Programme Since
Malaria
Malaria is a mosquito-borne disease transmitted by the bite of the female Anopheles mosquito. The causative agent is a single-celled protozoan parasite of the genus Plasmodium. The two major species responsible for human malaria in the State are Plasmodium vivax (Pv) and Plasmodium falciparum (Pf). The important malaria vectors in Tamil Nadu are Anopheles culicifacies and Anopheles stephensi. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Strategy for Malaria Control
Early Diagnosis and Prompt Treatment (EDPT)
Integrated Vector Management (IVM)
Capacity Building Training
Behaviour Change Communication (BCC)
Intersectoral Coordination
Public–Private Partnerships (PPP)
Community Participation
Legislative Support
The National Malaria Control Programme has been implemented in Tamil Nadu since 1950. Due to its effective implementation, malaria incidence has declined significantly. However, malaria continues to remain a public health concern in certain pockets of the State. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Surveillance and Treatment
- Active surveillance is carried out in villages by Primary Health Centre (PHC) field staff.
- Passive surveillance is conducted at all PHCs by collecting blood smears from fever cases attending outpatient departments.
- Blood smears are examined by Laboratory Technicians at PHCs, and treatment is provided promptly at the patient’s doorstep.
- Adequate stocks of anti-malarial drugs are available in all government health institutions and are replenished regularly.
Vector Control Measures
- Two rounds of Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS) using synthetic pyrethroids are conducted annually in malaria-prone districts such as Ramanathapuram, Thoothukudi, Dharmapuri, Krishnagiri, Tiruvannamalai, Villupuram, Nagapattinam, and Kanniyakumari.
- Anti-larval measures using Temephos are carried out in these areas.
- In Chennai city, malaria control activities including case detection, treatment, anti-larval operations, and thermal fogging are implemented regularly.
Filaria
Lymphatic filariasis is transmitted by the female Culex mosquito, which breeds in polluted and sullage water. The disease is caused mainly by Wuchereria bancrofti and Brugia malayi. The major vectors in the State are Culex quinquefasciatus and Mansonia annulifera. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
Strategy for Filaria Control
Early detection of microfilaria carriers through night blood surveys and complete treatment using Diethylcarbamazine (DEC) and Albendazole
Integrated Vector Management (IVM)
Single-dose Mass Drug Administration (MDA)
Lymphoedema management and hydrocelectomy
43
Urban Areas Covered
25
Control Units
44
Night Clinics
42
Filaria & Malaria Clinics
The National Filaria Control Programme has been implemented in Tamil Nadu since 1957. The programme is operational in 12 endemic districts. DEC tablets are supplied by the Government of India, while operational costs are borne by the State Government. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
Single-Dose Mass Drug Administration (MDA)
- MDA was initiated as a pilot programme in Cuddalore district in 1996.
- In 1997, it was extended to 12 endemic districts.
- From 2000 onwards, Albendazole was co-administered with DEC.
- MDA was conducted up to 2012 in 14 revenue districts and selected areas, covering approximately 3 crore population.
- MDA was again conducted in Tiruvannamalai and Cuddalore districts in 2014.
Transmission Assessment Survey (TAS)
- TAS has been completed in 12 districts using Immunochromatography Test (ICT) kits as per WHO guidelines, as microfilaria rates had fallen below 1%.
Morbidity Management
- Morbidity Management Kits are supplied to lymphatic filariasis patients.
- Hydrocele surgeries are performed at Medical College Hospitals and PHCs.
Dengue
Dengue Fever (DF) is an outbreak-prone viral disease transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes. Severe forms include Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever (DHF). The disease is caused by four dengue virus serotypes (DEN 1–4). :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
30
Sentinel Surveillance Hospitals
60+
ELISA Testing Centres
Diagnosis and Surveillance
- Tamil Nadu has 30 Sentinel Surveillance Hospitals and one Apex Laboratory at King Institute of Preventive Medicine and Research, Guindy.
- More than 60 ELISA testing centres are currently functional across the State.
Control Measures
- Temporary Domestic Breeding Checkers are engaged to eliminate Aedes breeding sites.
- Daily fever surveillance is conducted.
- IEC activities include documentary films, exhibitions, and community awareness campaigns.
- SHGs, women’s groups, and ICDS staff are trained in source reduction.
- Nilavembu Kudineer is distributed as supportive treatment through PHCs and government hospitals.
Japanese Encephalitis (JE)
Japanese Encephalitis is a mosquito-borne zoonotic viral disease transmitted primarily by Culex mosquitoes. Pigs and birds act as amplifier hosts. Tamil Nadu is one of the five States implementing the National Programme on Prevention and Control of JE/AES. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
Key Interventions
JE vaccination campaigns and inclusion under routine immunization
Strengthening surveillance, vector control, case management, and referral systems
Vector monitoring and fogging in affected areas
IEC/BCC activities
JE Control Units are operational in Cuddalore, Villupuram, and Perambalur, with a Monitoring Unit in Chennai.