Odisha Govt Asks Dist Health Authorities to Increase Surveillance on Scrub Typhus

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Health and Family Welfare Department has directed the district health authorities to enhance the surveillance for seasonal upsurge of Scrub Typhus and Leptospirosis in the State.

The Department has given the directions to all the Chief District Medical and Public Health Officers, Director, Capital Hospital Bhubaneswar and the Director, RGH, Rourkela.

“Scrub typhus and Leptospirosis cases are being reported from most of the districts across the state. So intensive surveillance system for early diagnosis need to be strengthened to ensure timely treatment for prevention and management of Scrub Typhus and Leptospirosis,” according to a statement issued by the Deaprtment.

The Health Department has asked the district health authorities to ensure the availability of tests in DPHL by procurement and supply of required test kits, sensitise doctors to advise the tests in case of PUO, increase public awareness and early diagnosis along with Increased surveillance.

The department also has asked the authorities to use appropriate antibiotics and an adequate stock of drugs.
All deaths due to these diseases should be investigated and necessary containment measures to be taken, Data pertaining to such diseases should be shared with SSU in the prescribed format regularly, said the Health Department.

Scrub Typhus can spread through bites of infected chiggers. Farmers and people who regularly go to farmlands and forests are most vulnerable to chigger bites.

Dark scab like region at the site of bite, fever, headache, chills etc might be the symptoms of Scrub Typhus.