In Odisha, a concerning situation has arisen with the reported deaths of at least eight individuals due to scrub typhus, according to Niranjan Mishra, the Health Director of the state.
Scrub typhus is an infection that is transmitted through the bites of infected chiggers. Multiple districts within Odisha have reported cases of scrub typhus infection, prompting health authorities to advise people to undergo testing at hospitals throughout the state. This year, there has been a notable increase in the number of tests conducted for scrub typhus infection, totaling around 22,000.
In response to the rising cases, the Odisha Government took action last month, urging district health authorities to intensify surveillance for the seasonal upsurge of both scrub typhus and leptospirosis in the state.
The State Health and Family Welfare Department issued directives to various health officers, emphasizing the need to strengthen the intensive surveillance system for early diagnosis. Timely treatment is crucial to prevent and manage scrub typhus and leptospirosis effectively.
The Health Department called upon district health authorities to ensure the availability of necessary test kits in District Public Health Laboratories (DPHL), sensitize doctors to recommend tests in cases of prolonged fever (known as PUO), raise public awareness about early diagnosis, and bolster surveillance efforts.
Additionally, the authorities were instructed to maintain an adequate stock of appropriate antibiotics and medications to address the emerging health challenges.
Scrub typhus is caused by a bacterium called Orientia tsutsugamushi and is primarily transmitted to humans through bites from infected larval mites. Common symptoms include fever, headache, body aches, and occasionally a rash.
Leptospirosis, on the other hand, is a bacterial disease affecting both humans and animals, caused by bacteria of the Leptospira genus. In humans, it can manifest a wide range of symptoms, making it essential to diagnose and treat it promptly to prevent its spread.