Star Health Urges Chennai to Seek Early Care against Dengue, Flu and Scrub Typhus

Chennai is in the middle of a crowded fever season. According to the Tamil Nadu Health Department, the state has recorded 21,655 dengue cases between January 1 and October 7 this year. The Directorate of Public Health and Preventive Medicine has intensified source reduction, vector control and environmental sanitation measures across the state in view of the prevailing trend of fever cases.

Dengue is only part of the picture. Scrub typhus, a bacterial infection spread by mite larvae in grass and bushes rather than mosquitoes, has also been reported, with 4,619 cases across Tamil Nadu since January, according to the Directorate of Public Health, and 173 cases in Chennai this year, according to the Greater Chennai Corporation. Viral fevers and respiratory infections are also being reported.

With early symptoms looking alike, delay is the biggest risk. Many of these infections, including scrub typhus, can be treated effectively when diagnosed early, which makes timely consultation more important than self-medication. Against this backdrop, Star Health and Allied Insurance Company Limited (NSE: STARHEALTH; BSE: 543412), one of India’s leading standalone health insurance companies, is strengthening access to Virtual Doctor Consultations, guided care support and Home Health Care across Chennai.

Care at home, under medical supervision

Star Health Insurance’s data points to growing adoption of medically supervised treatment at home. Home Health Care utilisation among eligible policyholders in Chennai more than doubled between April and September 2026. Cases recorded between April and September were over 4.6X those in the same period last year and have already exceeded the total for the whole of FY26.

Which fever is it? What to watch for

•       Influenza and respiratory infections: fever with cough, sore throat and body ache; can become serious in senior citizens and people with existing conditions.

•       Dengue: sudden high fever with severe headache and body ache, spread by mosquitoes that breed in stored clean water.

•       Scrub typhus: sudden high fever with a pronounced headache and body ache, sometimes with a small dark scab at the mite bite site.

Doctors advise immediate medical attention for breathing difficulty, persistent high fever or signs of dehydration.

Why timely care matters

Data from the National Sample Survey’s 80th Round on Household Social Consumption: Health, conducted in 2025, shows that average out of pocket medical expenditure per hospitalisation in Tamil Nadu stood at ₹44,535, around 31% higher than all India average of ₹34,064.

Source: National Statistical Office, Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, Household Social Consumption: Health, NSS 80th Round, 2025.

Commenting on the initiative, Mr. Balajibabu C, Business Head, Tamil Nadu, Star Health Insurance, said: “A fever is a symptom, not a diagnosis. This season in Chennai it could be dengue, influenza or scrub typhus, and each needs different care. The costliest mistake a family can make is waiting it out. Between April and September, Home Health Care utilisation among our customers in Chennai grew over 4.6X compared with the same period last year, which shows that families are increasingly choosing medically supervised treatment at home when their condition allows it. With Talk to Star, our policyholders are one call away from understanding their care options, from treatment at home to planned hospitalisation, and how their cover supports them. Our focus is on helping people reach the right care early, whether that is a doctor on the phone, treatment at home or timely admission to hospital.”

Three service interventions this season:

•       Unlimited teleconsultations for policyholders: Available during the policy period for early medical advice when symptoms emerge.

•       ‘Talk to Star’ for policyholders: Call 7200 222 333 and press 1 for Home Health Care or 2 for planned hospitalisation for guidance on care pathways, cashless processes and network hospitals.

•       Cashless Home Health Care: For eligible policyholders whose conditions can be managed at home, Star Health facilitates treatment prescribed by a doctor, including nursing care, blood tests, monitoring, IV fluids and injections, subject to policy terms.

Free Virtual Doctor Consultation for the general public:

Members of the public who are not Star Health policyholders can book a free 24/7 Virtual Doctor Consultation by downloading the Star Health Customer app, signing up with basic details and selecting ‘Telemedicine’ from the menu.

Star Health encourages Chennai households, particularly those with school going children and senior citizens, to take simple precautions. These include clearing stagnant water around the home, wearing full sleeved clothing near grass and bushes, and seeking medical advice for persistent fever rather than relying on self-medication.