Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government is closely monitoring the scrub typhus situation across the state and has found no confirmed cases of the disease so far, Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Mukesh Mahaling said on Wednesday, assuring people that there is no reason to panic.
Addressing mediapersons, Mahaling said the Health and Family Welfare Department has already issued guidelines for the prevention, surveillance and management of scrub typhus, while all healthcare institutions have been directed to follow the prescribed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
“So far, we have not confirmed any case of scrub typhus in the state. The ELISA test results of the suspected cases have also come back negative. There is no need for the people of Odisha to panic,” the minister said.
Referring to a suspected case reported from Palalahada in Anugola district, Mahaling said the patient’s ELISA test had returned negative, ruling out scrub typhus infection.
He said the department has stepped up surveillance and is keeping a close watch on the situation to ensure early detection and a prompt response in case of any suspected infection. District health authorities have also been asked to remain vigilant and strictly implement the guidelines issued by the government.
