CityLightBuzz: Hyderabad, August 29, 2026: Telangana Health Minister Damodar Rajanarsimha conducted a high-level review meeting at the State Secretariat on Saturday to assess the seasonal disease situation in the state amid the monsoon season. The meeting focused on disease prevention, government hospital preparedness, fever surveillance, mosquito-control measures and public health protection.
Officials briefed the Minister on the status of dengue, malaria, chikungunya, typhoid, diarrhoeal diseases and other seasonal illnesses, along with district-wise trends, fever surveys, availability of medicines and diagnostic kits, mosquito-control activities and the functioning of Rapid Response Teams.
Dengue, Malaria and Chikungunya Cases Decline
According to officials, cases of dengue, malaria, chikungunya, acute diarrhoeal disease and dysentery recorded between January 1 and August 27, 2026, were lower compared with the corresponding period last year. However, typhoid cases have shown a slight increase, prompting the Health Department to focus particularly on districts and areas where cases are rising.
“Prevention Must Be the Priority”
Minister Damodar Rajanarsimha said public health protection is the government’s highest priority and directed officials to focus on preventing disease outbreaks rather than waiting until cases increase.
He instructed district health authorities to work with advance plans and maintain continuous surveillance. Districts reporting higher numbers of dengue, malaria and typhoid cases have been asked to intensify field-level monitoring, particularly in villages, urban areas, schools, hostels, construction sites and other high-risk locations.
Fever Surveys to Be Intensified
The Minister directed officials to strengthen the ongoing fever surveys across Telangana and ensure that every identified fever case is followed up.
Patients requiring further investigation should receive timely diagnostic tests and treatment, he said. Government hospitals were instructed to ensure adequate availability of medicines, diagnostic kits and essential medical equipment.
Vigilance Over Influenza and ILI Cases
Against the backdrop of increased seasonal influenza activity reported in some other states, the Minister directed officials to closely monitor Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) cases in Telangana.
Officials have been instructed to monitor ILI cases reported by both government and private hospitals on a daily basis and submit regular reports. Officials informed the Minister that the seasonal influenza situation in Telangana is currently under control and that necessary testing reagents are available.
Mosquito Control Measures Strengthened
The Minister called for intensified mosquito-control measures in coordination with the Municipal Administration and Panchayat Raj departments.
The government’s weekly “Friday Dry Day” campaign is to be implemented effectively, along with:
Removal of stagnant water
Larval control
Fogging
Special fever surveys
Identification of mosquito-breeding locations
Public awareness campaigns
ASHA workers and ANMs have also been instructed to undertake door-to-door awareness activities. Recent state health advisories have similarly stressed the importance of eliminating mosquito-breeding sites and preventing stagnant water during the rainy season.
Rapid Response Teams to Remain Alert
The Minister directed every district to ensure that Rapid Response Teams remain fully operational. Any emerging disease cluster should be identified quickly and immediate preventive measures taken to prevent further spread.
He also called for stronger coordination between the Health, Municipal Administration, Panchayat Raj, Education, Women and Child Welfare, Revenue and other departments to improve sanitation, drinking-water safety and disease surveillance.
Adequate Medical Supplies
Officials were instructed to maintain sufficient stocks of antimalarial medicines, larvicides, insecticides, malaria rapid diagnostic kits, dengue testing kits, chikungunya testing kits and other essential medical supplies.
The Minister said government hospitals must remain fully prepared to deal with any emergency and provide timely treatment to patients.
Public Urged to Take Precautions
Damodar Rajanarsimha appealed to people to keep their homes and surroundings clean, avoid stagnant water and cooperate with mosquito-control programmes.
He urged anyone experiencing fever or symptoms of seasonal illness to approach the nearest government hospital promptly and undergo testing and treatment as advised by medical professionals.
The review meeting was attended by Principal Secretary Christina Zed Chhongthu, Health and Family Welfare Commissioner Dr. Sangeetha Satyanarayana, Director of Public Health Dr. B. Ravinder Nayak and other senior officials.
