Public Health / Scrub Typhus Cases Surge in Odisha

Bhubaneswar, Sep 19: Scrub typhus, a bacterial infection spread by larval mites, has expanded its reach in Sundaragada district, raising concern as cases are increasingly reported from urban areas rather than villages.

The district health department has stepped up surveillance and awareness campaigns to contain the spread.

So far, 5,545 blood samples have been tested, with 848 confirmed scrub typhus patients. While no deaths have been reported, the growing number of urban cases has prompted the health department to issue alerts and intensify preventive measures.

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Health workers are advising residents to wear full‑cover clothing when visiting forests or fields and to seek immediate medical attention if fever or related symptoms appear. “Do not ignore fever; visit medical facilities promptly,” health staff have urged.

To tackle the outbreak, the district health department has deployed anganwadi workers, ASHA staff, and medical teams across villages and towns to spread awareness.

A 24‑hour control room has been set up, and testing facilities are available at Sundaragada District Headquarters Hospital and Rourkela Government Hospital.

Scrub typhus is caused by the bacterium Orientia tsutsugamushi, transmitted through bites of infected larval mites found in grasslands, bushes, forests, and agricultural fields. It does not spread directly from person to person.

Symptoms and Risks

Sudden fever is the most common symptom, often accompanied by headache, muscle pain, chills, weakness, and sometimes rashes.

In some cases, a black sore known as eschar appears at the bite site. If untreated, the disease can affect vital organs such as the lungs, heart, liver, kidneys, or brain, making early diagnosis and treatment essential.

Prevention

Health experts recommend covering arms and legs with full clothing, wearing shoes, and avoiding unnecessary sitting or lying in grass or bushes.

Since scrub typhus symptoms resemble other febrile illnesses, doctors rely on blood tests for accurate diagnosis.