ROURKELA: A sudden spurt in scrub typhus cases in Sundargarh has put the district health authorities on its toes.
According to official reports, the tribal-dominated district has reported 341 positive cases of scrub typhus in the month of August.
Sources in the Health department said from January to August, a total of 4,534 blood samples were collected for tests of which 668 were found positive for scrub typhus. Of 1,655 tests conducted in the month of August, 341 came out positive. Rourkela reported the highest 55 cases followed by Lathikata block (39), Sundargarh town (29), Bisra (24) and the rest from other areas.
Chief district medical and public health officer (CDM&PHO) Dr SC Mohanty said the spread of the disease was largely due to heavy rainfall causing growth of vegetation and simultaneous breeding of the chigger mites. “Usually, scrub typhus cases rise during the rainy season. Awareness activities are underway and people are being educated to properly dress and cover their body parts while engaging in outdoor activities in vulnerable areas,” he said.
Stating that no death has occurred from scrub typhus so far in 2026, Dr Mohanty said there was no need to panic and advised people with symptoms to go for test and seek medical help in time. He said medicines are available at all government health facilities across the district. Initial screening facility is available at the community health centres (CHCs).
He said confirmatory test of blood samples for scrub typhus is being done at the Sundargarh district headquarters hospital, Rourkela Government Hospital and private hospitals.
In 2025, the district health authorities had confirmed deaths of two persons from scrub typhus infection. With the Health department laying increased thrust on detection and treatment of scrub typhus, the number of testing has significantly increased in Sundargarh over the past couple of years.
At least 2,025 positive cases were reported from 8,657 tests in 2024 in the district. Between January and October 22, 2025, 1,546 cases were found positive from 7,358 tests.