1546 scrub typhus cases detected in Sundargarh

Bhubaneswar: Scrub typhus has become a cause for concern in Sundargarh district and a few other places in western Odisha. More than 1,546 cases of scrub typhus, including two deaths, were detected in Sundargarh alone since Jan this year.Director of public health Nilakantha Mishra said on Thursday that they would review the situation and create awareness among people to seek medical help if they get bitten by any infected mite or tick. He added that there is no alarming situation related to this disease in the state.He said the disease is prevalent in rural areas where people work in fields or forests. People who spend a lot of time outdoors, such as farmers, hikers, and campers, are at a higher risk of getting bitten by the infected mite or tick.Mishra said the best way to prevent scrub typhus is to avoid contact with the infected mite. This can be achieved by wearing protective clothing, such as long-sleeved shirts and long trousers, when working or spending time outdoors. “Early diagnosis and treatment with antibiotics can help prevent complications and speed up recovery,” he added.He explained that these cases are emerging due to an increase in testing.

“We have testing facilities in each district. The district headquarters hospitals can diagnose and treat the patients,” said Mishra.Suresh Chandra Mohanty, chief district medical and public health officer (CDMPHO), Sundargarh, said there is no alarming situation regarding scrub typhus. “People should not neglect approaching a doctor in scrub typhus cases. If they are bitten by any infected mite or tick, they should visit a hospital and seek medical help.

A person can be cured after receiving proper treatment,” he added.Scrub typhus is caused by bacteria transmitted by the bite of a chigger. Farmers and people who go to forests or farmlands are most vulnerable to chigger bites. Symptoms include fever, chills, headache, muscle pain, and a dark scab-like region at the site of the bite. Doctors treat scrub typhus by prescribing antibiotics and other necessary medicines.