Andhra Pradesh Health Commissioner Veerapandian has announced that 1,566 scrub typhus positive cases have been reported across the state so far this year, with nine deaths recorded among individuals who exhibited symptoms of the disease. However, he clarified that it has not yet been established whether the deaths were directly caused by scrub typhus. Stating that further research is required to determine the precise causes, he noted that the investigation may take two to three months. Speaking to the media on Monday at the APIIC building in Mangalagiri, the Commissioner added that Andhra Pradesh has reported fewer cases compared to other states, where Karnataka has recorded 1,870 cases, Tamil Nadu 7,308 cases, and Telangana 309 cases.
Meanwhile, a delayed incident has surfaced from Komerapudi village in Sattenapalli mandal of Palnadu district, where Battula Lourdamma (64) died while undergoing treatment at the Guntur Government Hospital after developing fever and body pains 10 days earlier.
Doctors identified scrub typhus symptoms during treatment before her passing on Saturday. In a separate case, symptoms of scrub typhus have also been detected in an individual from Venigandla village in Pedakakani mandal of Guntur district. The health department has urged the public to seek immediate medical attention in case of persistent fever to enable early diagnosis and treatment.