Archive · 4 Dec 2025
Scrub Typhus Cases Rise in Andhra Pradesh
Scrub typhus is a disease caused by a bacterium that spreads through the bites of tiny mites called chigger mites.
In Andhra Pradesh, India, many people have been affected by this disease.
The districts of Kakinada, Chittoor, and Visakhapatnam have the most cases.
The disease can cause high fever, chills, and other symptoms.
It's important to wear protective clothing, use insect repellents, and keep the surroundings clean to prevent getting bitten by these mites.
If someone feels sick, they should go to a health center for a test and treatment.
The government is taking steps to control the disease and has made tests and medicines available.
Andhra Pradesh has reported 774 positive cases of scrub typhus with four fatalities.
Kakinada district has the highest prevalence rate with 155 positive cases out of 1,233 samples tested.
Scrub typhus is transmitted through the bite of infected chigger mites, which are found in poorly maintained areas and on animals like mice and rats.
Preventive measures include wearing protective clothing, using insect repellents, clearing vegetation, and rodent control.
Health authorities are conducting surveillance and testing, with Elisa tests available in government medical colleges and rapid test kits in private colleges.
- Who
- Residents of Andhra Pradesh, particularly in Kakinada, Chittoor, and Visakhapatnam districts
- What
- High prevalence of scrub typhus disease
- When
- From January 1, 2023, to November 30, 2023
- Where
- Andhra Pradesh, India
- Why
- Transmitted through the bite of infected chigger mites
- Total Positive Cases
- 774
- Total Fatalities
- 4
- Highest Prevalence District
- Kakinada (155 cases)
- Transmission Source
- Chigger mites
- Preventive Measures
- Wear protective clothing, use insect repellents, clear vegetation, rodent control
- Testing Facilities
- Elisa test in government medical colleges, rapid test kits in private colleges
- Symptoms
- High fever, chills, cough, rash, headache, body aches, eschar, swollen lymph nodes, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, confusion, seizures, comatose