27 Scrub Typhus cases detected in one day in Odisha's Sundargarh

As many as 27 Scrub Typhus positive cases were detected on Thursday in Sundargarh district taking the total number of patients in the district to 162 so far.

As per reports, most patients have been detected from Sadar and Balishankara blocks.

So far, one patient has reportedly died of Scrub Typhus in the district.

“Scrub Typhus surveillance is a regular process. This year, a total of 162 cases have been detected in the district since January 1, 2023. Out of that, nine patients belong to other districts while 10 are from other States,” said Sundargarh CDMO, Kanhucharan Nayak.

“As far as prevention of the disease is concerned, we are focusing on making people aware of the disease. ANM and ASHA workers are on the field. Suspected patients are being sent for testing and subsequent treatment,” Nayak added.

Meanwhile, Odisha Public Health Director, Niranjan Mishra said Scrub Typhus is under surveillance. While 10,000 tests were done last year, this year 8000 tests have already been done by the end of July.

Speaking to the reporters, Mishra said, “The disease is being reported from almost all the districts of Odisha. It can be cured with antibiotics provided the disease is detected early.”

The mite-borne bacterial disease has been on a steady rise in western Odisha, triggering concerns. According to reports, as many as 50 cases have been detected in Burla VIMSAR in last one month. On average two to three persons are reportedly visiting the hospital with Scrub Typhus symptoms.

Scrub Typhus like many other bacterial diseases can be diagnosed in the laboratory with serology and PCR tests. No vaccine exists for this disease, however, antibiotic treatment preferably with Doxycycline is generally recommended.