Scrub Typhus Cases Surge in Andhra Pradesh, Prompting Health Alerts

The state of Andhra Pradesh is currently facing a significant surge in scrub typhus cases, with a total of 774 positive cases and four fatalities reported. Health officials confirmed on Thursday that from 4,724 samples tested, 774 were positive for the disease, which is caused by the bacterium Orientia Tsutsugamushi. The fatalities occurred in two individuals from Palnadu district, one from Bapatala, and another from Nellore.

The highest prevalence of scrub typhus has been noted in Kakinada, where 155 positive cases emerged from 1,233 samples tested. Following closely is Chittoor, which recorded 154 cases from 203 samples. Additionally, Visakhapatnam reported 128 positive cases from 278 samples. Other districts such as Kadapa, Nellore, Kurnool, Vizianagaram, Guntur, Tirupati, and Srikakulam are also witnessing an increase in cases.

The trend over recent years shows a concerning rise in scrub typhus cases. From January 1, 2023, to November 30, 2025, the state saw the following figures: in 2023, out of 4,131 samples tested, 579 were positive; in 2024, 6,215 samples yielded 803 positive cases; and in 2025, 4,625 samples resulted in 736 positive cases. These statistics highlight the increasing incidence of the disease, prompting health authorities to enhance surveillance and testing efforts.

In response to the rising number of cases, health officials recommend that individuals exhibiting symptoms such as high fever, chills, cough, rash, headache, and body aches seek testing at health centers. Severe symptoms, including confusion, seizures, and coma, require immediate medical attention. The government has arranged for Elisa tests to be conducted at all government medical colleges, and rapid test kits, priced at INR 75, are available at private medical facilities.

Scrub typhus is transmitted to humans through bites from infected chigger mites, which thrive in poorly maintained environments such as kitchen gardens, abandoned plantations, and grassy fields. The disease does not spread from person to person. Farmers and individuals working in areas where chigger mites are prevalent are particularly at risk. Those bitten may develop black scab-like lesions and experience swollen lymph nodes and rashes. If untreated, scrub typhus can lead to severe complications, including pneumonia, encephalitis, kidney injury, or multi-organ failure.

As there is currently no licensed vaccine available for scrub typhus, health officials emphasize the importance of preventive measures. Individuals are advised to wear protective clothing, apply insect repellents, and maintain cleanliness in their surroundings to reduce mite habitats. Additionally, controlling rodent populations in and around buildings can help mitigate the risk of exposure.

Health Commissioner G Veerapandian has urged the public to remain calm and not panic about the infectious disease. “We have kept requisite tablets ready in health centres, and tests are being conducted to confirm the disease in suspected cases,” he stated. As the situation develops, the health department continues to monitor the outbreak closely and implement necessary measures to protect public health.