Scrub Typhus in Odisha: The growing incidences of Scrub Typhus have become a cause of concern in Odisha. According to local media reports, with seven more cases, the total case tally of Scrub Typhus has reached 200 now in the Sundargarh district.
According to Sundargarh Chief District Medical Officer (CDMO) Kanhu Charan Nayak, among many samples that were tested in the last 24 hours, seven have tested positive for Scrub Typhus.
According to a report by OdishaTV, the district authorities are taking measures to sensitise people at the gram panchayat level. Moreover, the district collector had a virtual meeting with block development officials, tehsildars and doctors in the district.
Reportedly, a special team has been sent to the Sundargarh and Bargarh districts amid the rising cases of Scrub Typhus. Additionally, a Joint Director and an epidemiologist have also been sent to both districts to investigate the alleged death of people after getting infected by scrub typhus, as per reports.
What is Scrub Typhus?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Scrub typhus, also known as bush typhus, is a disease caused by a bacteria called Orientia tsutsugamushi.
The US Health Body maintains that the infectious disease is spread to people through bite of infected chiggers (larval mites). According to CDC, most cases of scrub typhus occur in rural areas of Southeast Asia, Indonesia, China, Japan, India, and northern Australia.
What are the symptoms of Scrub Typhus?
According to CDC, signs and symptoms may include:
- Fever and chills
- Headache
- Body aches and muscle pain
- A dark, scab-like region at the site of the chigger bite (also known as eschar)
- Mental changes, ranging from confusion to coma
- Enlarged lymph nodes
- Rash
According to experts, symptoms of scrub typhus usually begin within 10 days of being bitten. Meanwhile, people with severe form of the disease may develop organ failure and bleeding, which can be fatal if left untreated.
How Scrub Typhus in treated?
According to CDC, antibiotics are most effective in Scrub Typhus if given soon after symptoms begin.
How to prevent Scrub Typhus infection?
Currently, there is no vaccine available to prevent scrub typhus. According to CDC, you can reduce your risk of getting scrub typhus by avoiding contact with infected chiggers.
When traveling to areas where scrub typhus is common, avoid areas with lots of vegetation and brush where chiggers may be found, CDC emphasised.
