VIJAYAWADA: Health Department has clarified that the scrub typhus cases reported this season remain within the expected range and do not indicate an outbreak. Health Commissioner Veerapandian said diagnostic facilities are now available even at Primary Heal th Centres (PHCs), where samples are being collected from suspected patients.
He noted that scrub typhus is one of the common seasonal fevers and added that the nine deaths reported so far are classified only as suspected cases, with no confirmation yet that they were caused by the disease. Data from the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP-IHIP) portal shows that AP has recorded 1,566 confirmed cases this year.
A comparative assessment reflects a decline across southern states. AP reported 1,689 cases in 2024 and 1,566 in 2025; Karnataka 1,870 and 1,613; Tamil Nadu 7,308 and 6,925; and Telangana 309 and 187 respectively. Health officials said improved surveillance, wider testing, and systematic reporting have led to higher detection figures, which should not be mistaken for a rise in transmission.
Genome sequencing of samples collected in Guntur and Tirupati is underway to ascertain exact cause of the recent deaths, a process expected to take two to three months. Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) have been deployed to affected districts to conduct epidemiological investigations. Hospitals across all 26 districts, including Hindupur, Tekkali, Paderu, and Tenali, are conducting diagnostic tests, while awareness programmes are held in coordination with agriculture and panchayat departments.
Doctors pointed out that the presence of an ‘eschar’, a black scab formed at the site of a mite bite, along with fever, is a key clinical indicator of scrub typhus. Guntur GGH has reported 26 cases over the past 38 days, with three patients currently in ICU.
Officials emphasised most patients respond well to routine antibiotics such as doxycycline and azithromycin, and that ELISA tests confirm infection within 24 hours. To strengthen preparedness, the department has rolled out a Scrub Typhus Action Plan. Measures include weekly district- level coordination meetings, hotspot mapping, enhanced laboratory capacity with 24 VRDL labs, and the stockpiling of over 17 million antibiotic tablets. Doctors are being trained to check for eschar in all fever cases.