Tamil Nadu government to undertake studies to identify new ways to prevent dengue spread
The Tamil Nadu government is launching scientific studies in the Tenkasi district to evaluate the effectiveness of various mosquito repellents in preventing dengue. The project aims to gather data on community-level interventions to address the persistent public health challenge.
Why it matters
Evidence-based public health strategies are critical for managing endemic diseases like dengue in high-incidence regions.
Minister for Health and Family Welfare K.G. Arunraj on Tuesday (September 8, 2026) said in the Assembly that the State government would undertake scientific studies to identify new ways to prevent the spread of dengue in Tamil Nadu. It will be conducted as three Cluster Randomised Controlled Studies in the Kadayanallur area of Tenkasi district, which has a high incidence of dengue.
Dr. Arunraj said the studies would examine whether additional protection against bites from Aedes mosquitoes, which transmit dengue, could be obtained through topical mosquito repellents applied to the body, natural mosquito repellents such as lemon eucalyptus oil, and vapourisers, and whether their use causes any side effects.
Although topical mosquito repellents can prevent mosquito bites when used individually, there have so far been no field studies or data to establish whether their use at the community level can reduce the spread of dengue, he said.
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