Andhra Pradesh Forms Task Force to Combat Scrub Typhus Outbreak

In response to the rise in Scrub Typhus cases, the government of Andhra Pradesh has established a national-level medical task force. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu directed the health department to conduct a thorough study of the disease and recommend strategies for its eradication. This decision follows a review of the health department’s operations, where Naidu assessed the current status of Scrub Typhus in the state.

Officials reported that there have been 1,592 cases of Scrub Typhus across Andhra Pradesh, with 420 cases identified in Chittoor district alone. Despite the serious nature of these figures, health officials clarified that none of the nine recent deaths initially attributed to the disease were actually caused by Scrub Typhus. “Detailed medical audits indicated that all nine deaths were due to other health complications,” they stated, highlighting issues such as multi-organ failure.

Task Force and Prevention Strategies

During the meeting, Naidu emphasized the critical need for strong preventive measures. He instructed health officials to initiate statewide awareness campaigns to educate the public about preventive strategies for Scrub Typhus. The newly formed task force will include both national and international experts to study the disease at a grassroots level. Naidu insisted that their recommendations should be swiftly implemented to curb the spread of the illness.

In addition to Scrub Typhus, the health department reported significant improvements in reducing seasonal diseases statewide. They noted a 48 percent decline in overall seasonal diseases, attributed to a year-round focus on preventive measures, sanitation drives, and aggressive health campaigns. Notably, dengue cases decreased by 56 percent, from 5,555 cases in 2024 to 2,452 cases reported so far this year.

Other diseases also saw reductions: malaria cases dropped from 7,871 to 7,010, marking an 11 percent decrease, and chikungunya cases fell from 266 last year to 142 this year, a substantial 46.5 percent reduction. Japanese Encephalitis cases were also down, decreasing from 11 to just 2 cases.

Call for Continued Action

Naidu attributed these positive trends to improved sanitation, consistent awareness programs, and increased testing efforts. He underscored the importance of maintaining momentum in the fight against seasonal diseases, urging a coordinated approach across various departments. Naidu referred to the lack of cleanliness as the “biggest disease in society,” asserting that many health issues stem from poor sanitation. “If we eradicate unclean surroundings, we can prevent several diseases. Continuous awareness among the public is essential,” he remarked.

Health Secretary Saurabh Gaur, Health Commissioner Veerapandian, and other key officials participated in the review meeting, emphasizing their commitment to intensifying preventive measures for diseases such as malaria, dengue, and chikungunya. The establishment of the task force and the ongoing public health campaigns reflect Andhra Pradesh’s proactive stance in addressing health challenges within the state.