Bhubaneswar: In view of the seasonal upsurge in Scrub Typhus and Leptospirosis cases in Odisha, the Directorate of Public Health under the Health and Family Welfare Department has emphasized on strengthening of intensive surveillance and early diagnosis.
Director of Public Health Dr Niranjan Mishra on Wednesday wrote a letter to the Director, Capital Hospital; Director, Rourkela Government Hospital (RGH) and Chief District Medical & Public Health Officers in this connection.
In the letter, Mishra pointed out that Scrub typhus and Leptospirosis cases are being reported from most of the districts across the state.
“So intensive surveillance system for early diagnosis need to be strengthened to ensure timely treatment for prevention and management of Scrub Typhus & Leptospirosis,” Mishra emphasized in the letter.
The Public Health Director has asked the addressees to ensure the undermentioned points listed below:
- Availability of tests in DPHL (District Public Health Laboratories) by procurement & supply of required test kits
- Sensitize Doctors to advise the tests in case of Pyrexia of unknown origin (PUO)
- Increase public awareness and early diagnosis
- Increase surveillance for Scrub typhus and Leptospirosis
- Use of appropriate antibiotics and adequate stock of drugs
- Conduct online seminars to increase the suspicion level among Doctors
- All deaths due to these diseases should be investigated & necessary containment measures taken
- Data pertaining to such diseases should be shared with the State Surveillance Unit (SSU) in the prescribed format regularly.
