27 More Test Positive For Scrub Typhus In Odisha’s Sundargarh; Total Rises To 162

Bhubaneswar: The highly infectious scrub typhus continued to spread in Odisha’s Sundargarh as 27 new positive cases were detected in the district on Thursday.

Speaking to media persons on Friday, Sundargarh CDMO, Kanhucharan Nayak said with Thursday’s cases, total 162 persons have tested positive for scrub typhus in the district so far this year. Most of the patients belong to Sundargarh Sadar and Balishankara blocks. One patient in the district has reportedly died of scrub typhus.

“Total 162 scrub typhus cases have been detected in the district since January 1. Of them, nine patients belong to other districts and 10 are from outside states,” said the CDMO.

With the state government directing the district health authorities to focus on preventive measures to arrest the spread of the virus, he said steps have been taken to promote awareness among the people. “ANM and ASHA workers are visiting households to spread awareness on preventions. Surveillance and testing of suspected patients have also been heightened,” he added.

Bargarh, another western Odisha district, has also witnessed spread of the virus. The virus has claimed the lives of 6 persons so far.

On Thursday, the government directed the districts to follow the treatment protocol with proper use of antibiotics to contain the scrub typhus and leptospirosis, also a bacterial disease, with similar symptoms like high fever, vomiting, muscle ache and abdominal pain. While scrub typhus spreads through bites by infected larval mites, leptospirosis is transmitted on coming in contact with the urine of infected animals.

Public Health director Niranjan Mishra said, “Scrub typhus and leptospirosis cases are being reported from most districts. An intensive surveillance system for early diagnosis is needed to ensure timely treatment. The district health authorities have also been asked to update the government on data regarding scrub typhus cases every day.”