Odisha Health Department Keeps a Close Eye on Scrub Typhus Threat

Bhūbaneswar – When it comes to infectious‑disease scares, the Odisha government prefers to stay a step ahead. On Wednesday, Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Mukesh Mahaling addressed reporters, reassuring citizens that, as of now, no confirmed case of scrub typhus has been recorded in the state.

“We’ve run the ELISA tests on all suspected samples and every result has been negative,” the minister explained, pointing to a recent report from Palalahada in the Anugola district. “That particular patient tested negative, which effectively rules out scrub typhus.”

He went on to say that the Health Department has already rolled out a set of guidelines covering prevention, surveillance, and case‑management. Every public‑ and private‑run health‑care facility has been instructed to follow the prescribed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), a move meant to ensure uniformity and rapid response should a case ever surface.

“We are not asking people to panic,” Mahaling added, his tone a blend of caution and calm. “Instead, we’re asking them to stay informed and cooperate with health officials.”

To that end, district health officers have been told to keep their eyes peeled, to monitor any fever‑ish symptoms that could hint at the disease, and to report suspicious instances immediately. The emphasis is on early detection – the sooner a potential case is flagged, the quicker the team can act.

While the current data is reassuring, the minister underscored that scrub typhus is a tricky rickettsial infection, often transmitted by chiggers in scrubby, grassy areas. He reminded residents, especially those who work outdoors or travel to forest‑adjacent zones, to use protective clothing and insect repellents.

In short, Odisha’s health machinery is on standby: guidelines issued, SOPs enforced, labs testing, and officials on alert. The message is clear – stay vigilant, but no need for alarm.