Andhra Pradesh’s Commissioner of Medical, Health and Family Welfare, G. Veerapandian, announced on Monday that nine deaths across the state are suspected to be linked to Scrub Typhus.
He said Primary Health Centres (PHCs) are actively conducting diagnostic tests, while samples are being sent to Guntur and Tirupati for detailed genome sequencing to determine the exact cause of death.
Scrub Typhus, also known as bush typhus, is caused by the bacterium Orientia tsutsugamushi and spreads through the bite of infected chiggers, which are larval mites. Common symptoms include high fever, headache and joint pain.
Veerapandian clarified that none of the reported deaths have been officially confirmed as Scrub Typhus so far, and only genome sequencing can provide confirmation. More than 1,500 cases have been detected in the state this year, a rise he attributed to expanded testing.
He added that Karnataka and Tamil Nadu currently have the highest case numbers nationally, while Andhra Pradesh’s figures are still lower compared to its neighbouring states.
Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) have been deployed in all 26 districts to investigate areas with high case loads or unusual deaths. They will also assess local living conditions and recommend necessary precautions. Awareness drives involving Agriculture, Panchayat Raj and other departments are underway to educate people about early symptoms, prevention, and timely medical treatment.
Guntur Government General Hospital Superintendent Dr. Ramana Yasaswi noted that Scrub Typhus often leaves a black scab at the site of the insect bite, and ELISA blood tests help confirm the disease quickly. Other health officials emphasised that genome sequencing remains essential to verify whether any of the deaths were caused by Scrub Typhus and to guide future prevention efforts.
