Scrub Typhus Claims Eight Lives in Odisha, Health Director Announces Enhanced Testing

In Odisha, eight individuals have died to scrub typhus, a disease transmitted through infected chigger bites, according to the state's Health Director, Niranjan Mishra. Scrub typhus infections have been reported in several districts, prompting health authorities to urge people to undergo testing at hospitals throughout the state. The state has ramped up testing efforts this year, with 22,000 tests conducted so far. The Odisha Government has also called for increased scrub typhus and leptospirosis surveillance due to rising cases across districts. Symptoms of scrub typhus include fever, headache, body aches, and rash. Leptospirosis affects both humans and animals and is caused by Leptospira bacteria.