# Dengue and flu cases rise in Chennai and Kerala 2026-09-25T07:46:52+00:00 | Governance | Indian Opinion Desk Corroboration: 1 independent outlet Chennai hospitals are seeing a steady rise in fever cases as dengue and influenza viruses circulate. A senior government doctor said both infections are in line with the seasonal trend from September to November. Flu spreads person to person, while dengue is vector-borne. The doctor advised caution for the elderly and pregnant women, as flu can lead to severe respiratory issues. Dengue warning signs include high-grade fever with body pain and headache. In Kerala, Ernakulam district reported the highest number of influenza cases in the state, with 969 confirmed cases till September 26. The state recorded 2,205 confirmed influenza cases and 20 deaths in September. The District Medical Officer predicted a surge in fever cases next April due to the El Nino phenomenon. A prevention programme, Arogyabheri, has been launched in all local bodies. Leptospirosis and dengue cases are also being reported. ## Indian Opinion Analysis Both The Hindu articles adopt a neutral-report stance, presenting official and medical views without critical framing. The Chennai piece highlights hidden dengue cases and a full fever ward but balances it with government hospital assurances that numbers are not alarming. The Kerala piece leads with high influenza numbers and deaths but then quotes officials downplaying a marked rise and blaming seasonal factors. The coverage is straight reporting, not investigative. The implication is that authorities are managing the narrative to avoid panic, while doctors on the ground report busy wards. The coming weeks will show if hospitalisations rise as predicted in April. ## Coverage - thehindu.com - thehindu.com Tags: Chennai, dengue, Greater Chennai Corporation, influenza, Tamil Nadu Health Department Canonical: https://indianopinion.org/chennai-hospitals-see-steady-rise-in-dengue-influenza-cases/ License: Summary and commentary (c) Indian Opinion, reusable with attribution. Facts belong to the linked sources. Cite: https://indianopinion.org/chennai-hospitals-see-steady-rise-in-dengue-influenza-cases/#story-in-brief