Vijayawada, December 9 – Amidst concerns about a potential outbreak of scrub typhus in Andhra Pradesh, the Health Department has reassured citizens that the number of reported cases this season remains within the expected range.
Health Commissioner Veerapandian addressed these concerns, stating that diagnostic facilities are now accessible at Primary Health Centers (PHCs) for patients suspected of having scrub typhus. He highlighted that the disease is one of the common seasonal fevers and explained that the nine deaths reported so far are classified as only suspected cases, with no confirmed diagnoses as of yet.
In a positive development, Andhra Pradesh has seen a decrease in confirmed scrub typhus cases compared to last year, with a total of 1,566 cases recorded as of the current year. This decline is a testament to the efforts made by Rapid Response Teams and local health authorities to ensure prompt diagnosis and treatment for affected individuals.
Citizens are encouraged to seek medical attention if they exhibit symptoms associated with scrub typhus, such as fever, headache, and eschar (a skin lesion). The Health Department advises using WhatsApp’s helpline number 104 for any health-related queries or concerns.
As the season progresses, the Health Department will continue to monitor the situation closely and take necessary steps to prevent any potential outbreaks. Citizens are urged to maintain good personal hygiene practices and ensure their surroundings are clean to minimize the risk of contracting scrub typhus and other communicable diseases.
