Scrub typhus, also known as the World War II fever, is back this monsoon to haunt the in habitants, particularly the rural folk.
So far, 137 people across the state have tested positive for the fever. The outbreak is more evident in Bilaspur district where so far 29 people have tested positive. As many as 36 patients infested with ricketssial-scrub typhus- have been hospitalised at the Indira Gandhi Medical College. The number of patients with scrub typhus was more in the low lying areas - 69 patients have been treated in the Dr Rajendra Prasad Medical College, Tanda.
The revival of monsoons has made the conditions congenial for the spread of scrub typhus. The department of health has issued a circular to all chief medical officers, block medical officers and authorities of government run hospitals to make adequate arrangements for combating the fever that takes a toll on humans every year.
The health department has asked the government to distribute handbills among the general public to make them aware of the symptoms of and treatment for scrub typhus.
Further, the health institutions across the state have been asked to adequately stock Doxycycline and Azithromy cine. “Directions have already been issued to all the medical officers for the use of Doxycycline and Azithromy cine in any suspected cases of scrub typhus,” said a senior government functionary. A health official at the directorate of health said directions had been issued to all block medical officers and hospital in charges for daily audit of scrub typhus cases.
Scrub typhus resurges every monsoon and has claimed many lives in the last eight years. Since 2006, more than 159 people have died due to the disease while 8,498 have tested positive.
{{/usCountry}}Scrub typhus resurges every monsoon and has claimed many lives in the last eight years. Since 2006, more than 159 people have died due to the disease while 8,498 have tested positive.
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