Sundargarh scrub typhus tally mounts to 193 with 10 fresh cases

The highly infectious scrub typhus appears to be spreading rapidly in Sundargarh district with 10 new cases being detected on Tuesday.

With the addition of fresh cases, the scrub typhus tally in Sundargarh has increased to 193 so far this year, informed Chief District Medical Officer (CDMO) of Sundargarh Dr Kanhu Charan Nayak.

Meanwhile, Odisha government has expressed concern over the rising number of scrub typhus cases in the State.

Directorate of Public Health has sent a special team to Bargarh and Sundargarh. A Joint Director and an epidemiologist have also been sent to Bargarh district to investigate the alleged death of five people after getting infected by scrub typhus.

As per Public Health Director Niranjan Mishra, another Joint Director has been sent to Sundargarh as well to take stock of the situation arising out of scrub typhus infection in the district.

“We have been conducting the test everyday from January 1, 2023. We have tested 59 samples today of which 10 persons have been tested positive. With this, the total number of cases has mounted to 193 in the district,” said Sundargarh CDMO Dr Kanhu Charan Nayak.

“Scrub typhus cases have increased in rainy days. Our Department is trying its best to make people aware. Our doctors, nurses and ANM workers are sensitising people about scrub typhus infection,” he added.