The Odisha government has taken swift action in response to six reported deaths due to scrub typhus infection, dispatching health teams to Bargarh and Sundargarh districts for a comprehensive inquiry. Public health director Niranjan Mishra explained that the investigation is necessitated by certain discrepancies in the reported scrub typhus death cases. He highlighted that the deceased individuals had not undergone proper testing or received treatment at any government healthcare facility.
The health teams have been tasked with collecting crucial information regarding the tests conducted and the symptoms exhibited by the victims. One key aspect of their inquiry will be to scrutinize the types of tests administered in private hospitals and ascertain the circumstances surrounding these tragic deaths, PTI reported.
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Director Niranjan Mishra emphasized the importance of accurate diagnostic methods, noting that some private hospitals had been using the kit test, which is not considered confirmatory. Instead, the ELISA test is recommended as the appropriate method for detecting scrub typhus.
Among the reported cases, five deaths occurred in Bargarh district, while one person succumbed to the disease in Sundargarh. Scrub typhus, a disease transmitted through the bites of infected chiggers (larval mites), has raised concerns among health officials.
To raise awareness about the disease and its potential risks, the health department has enlisted the help of accredited social health activists (ASHA) and auxiliary nurse and midwife volunteers. They will work to inform people, particularly those who frequent farmland or forests, about the infection's symptoms and preventive measures.
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Common symptoms of scrub typhus include fever and the appearance of a black inflamed mark on the skin known as an 'eschar.' The government's proactive response reflects its commitment to addressing this health issue and preventing further loss of life in the affected regions.
