Panchayat steps up vigil to curb Scrub Typhus

Thiruvananthapuram: The Parassala panchayat has taken measures to curb the spread of Scrub Typhus, locally known as ‘Chellu fever’, after a 38-year-old woman succumbed to the disease a few days ago at Ayinkamam.
The members of the panchayat and officials of health and animal husbandry department have visited the wards in the panchayat to assess the situation. No one else is reported to have the symptoms of the disease so far.

A meeting was held in the panchayat in this regard, and it was decided to keep a tight observation in all the wards and to make the public aware of the origin, nature and symptoms of the disease. Hygienic measures will also be taken to avoid the spread of the virus.
Parassala panchayat president L Manjusmitha has said sources of the disease-causing virus would be identified and eradicated through a coordinated activity of Haritha Karma Sena, Asha workers and other volunteers.
People in the panchayat are urged to take immediate medical care if showing any symptoms of the virus. Instructions have also been given to keep the house and surroundings neat and clean and to be careful while dealing with domestic animals.
Two persons, Subitha (38) a native of Parassala at Ayinkamam and Aswathy (15), a native of Varkala, had died of Scrub Typhus in the state so far.
Scrub typhus is caused by a bacteria called Orientia Tsutsugamushi. The bacteria are found in rodents like rats, squirrels, rabbits, etc. However, this bacteria does not cause disease in animals. Humans get infection through the bite of very tiny chigger mites, larvae of mites.
High fever with chills, headache, muscle pain, dry cough, reddish eyes etc. are the most common symptoms. In rare cases, the fever may affect the heart and brain.
Due to this, immediate medical attention is recommended to avoid health complications.