The rising number of Scrub Typhus infections in Andhra Pradesh has provoked health establishments to improve their surveillance and precautionary involvements. The state health department reported that over 1,500 confirmed cases have been recorded this year, along with several suspected deaths, which are being inspected.
What’s Happening Across the State
There is a heavy burden of infections in the districts of Chittoor, Kakinada, Visakhapatnam, and Kurnool, among others, where the number of cases has escalated remarkably. To encounter the situation, the government has sent Rapid Response Teams to the affected areas and given the command to hospitals to intensify screening since prompt diagnosis can lead to fewer complications.
The state is conducting genome sequencing of samples from patients to be able to ascertain the exact reasons for the deaths in question. The officials explain that better lab facilities and more tests being done have resulted in the quicker identification of new cases.
What Is this Scrub Typhus?
Scrub Typhus is a microbial contamination spread by bites of infested bugs (jiggers).
High fever, Headache and body pain, Rashes or a black scab (eschar) Fatigue and chills If the disease is not given any care, it can be dangerous; however, it is very sensitive to antibiotics such as Doxycycline and Azithromycin, which should be given at an early stage.
Government Measures
An awareness campaign targeting mainly rural and tribal areas where the risk of getting infected is high has been brought about by the Andhra Pradesh government. The residents are also given some advice as follows:
- Do not go through the areas which are covered with bushes or scrubs especially if you do not have the right clothing and shoes.
- Put on sufficing clothing to protect your body when you are outdoors.
- Do not waste time and go through the process of checking and if fever is confirmed you should immediately seek medical care.
Why It Matters
The surge that is happening now is a clear example of how important it is to have effective disease surveillance in place and public awareness should not be weakened especially after the monsoon season when mites are highly active. Scrub Typhus can be avoided and is curable through timely diagnosis and treatment but if a person intervenes late, it could become life-threatening.