Suspected Scrub Typhus Cluster in Odisha Under Close Health Surveillance

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Health Department has intensified epidemiological and laboratory surveillance following reports of a suspected cluster of scrub typhus cases, while assuring the public that there is no need for panic.

The department said the situation is currently being treated as a suspected cluster, and no confirmed conclusion will be drawn until the results of ongoing confirmatory laboratory tests are available.

The IgM ELISA results of nine samples tested earlier were reported negative on August 30, 2026. Meanwhile, a mass screening exercise was conducted in the affected area on the same day, during which additional samples were collected for testing.

Health authorities are closely monitoring the situation and have advised continued surveillance and timely testing to detect and respond to any potential cases. The district health team is also maintaining vigilance in the affected area.

Director of Public Health has urged people to maintain proper hygiene and take precautions, particularly while visiting areas with dense vegetation, bushes and overgrown grass.

People have been advised to wear full-length clothing, including full-sleeved shirts and long trousers, while going outdoors. Covering the feet with appropriate footwear has also been recommended to minimise skin exposure.

The Health Department has further advised residents to keep their surroundings clean and avoid sitting or lying directly on grass or soil, as part of precautionary measures against possible exposure.

Officials said the situation remains under close watch and necessary public health measures are being taken based on surveillance and laboratory findings.