Risk of ‘scrub typhus’ outbreak: Intensive surveillance in Tamil Nadu.

Tamil Nadu: Following several cases of ‘scrub typhus’ and nine deaths in Andhra Pradesh, the health department in Tamil Nadu is taking intensive surveillance measures to prevent the spread of the disease in the state.

Guidelines have been issued to district health department officials in this regard. Scrub typhus is caused when humans are bitten by parasites, insects, and other organisms infected with the bacterium Rickettsia. Fever, headache, body aches, and rashes are considered the main symptoms.

The highest number of cases in Tamil Nadu are reported in Chennai, Kanchipuram, Tiruvallur, Chengalpattu, Ranipet, Vellore, and Tirupattur. In addition, scrub typhus infection is also found in the eastern and western hilly regions.

Given the increasing number of cases in Andhra Pradesh, there are fears that the disease could spread to Chennai and surrounding areas. In this context, public health department officials have stated that preventive measures are being taken.

They further added: Farmers, people living near bushes and forest areas, trekkers, pregnant women, and those exposed to insect bites are at higher risk of contracting the disease. The disease can be detected through ELISA blood tests and molecular tests.

People diagnosed with scrub typhus should be treated with antibiotics such as azithromycin and doxycycline.

Last year, more than 5,000 people were affected by this disease. This year, more than 4,000 cases have been detected. Currently, 10 to 20 people are reporting to hospitals with symptoms every day. The disease is found not only in hilly and forest areas but also in the plains.

They stated that preventive measures are being taken in this regard. Guidelines have been issued to all district health officials.