The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court Monday ordered the Tamil Nadu government to submit a report on the number of deaths caused by swine flu and dengue by November 20.

Issuing the notice to the state Health Secretary, a bench of Justice K K Sasisdharan and Justice P D Audikesavalu also sought details about the number of people affected by the two viral fevers caused by mosquitoes and contagious infection and the steps taken by the government to contain them.The judges were hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) petition filed by social worker Ramesh seeking a direction to the government to take steps on a war-footing to contain the spread of the fevers.

He said fevers such as swine flu, dengue and chikungunya were spreading in the State, and several people have died. Among others, he sought setting up of special wards in government hospitals to treat patients affected by the fevers and ensuring adequate stock of needed medicines.Deaths of people suffering from dengue and swine flu or H1N1 have been reported from several parts of the state in recent weeks.