THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The health authorities are concerned over the alarming rise in the number of scrub typhus cases- the mite-borne infectious disease. Sanitation workers are the worst hit. The DMO has decided to convene a meeting with agriculture department and Suchitwa Mission to eradicate the rat population and ensure proper waste management. In 2018, around 269 scrub typhus cases and two deaths were reported in Thiruvananthapuram.
In the past 18 days, around 58 confirmed cases were reported in the state. Majority of the cases are from the state capital. According to officials, the Karakulam – Vattiyoorkavu belt is the worst hit in the city limits. According to experts, the number of cases is likely to go up in the coming weeks.
A top official of district medical office said that the situation was alarming as the rodent population was multiplying. Sanitation workers are the worst hit as they are directly exposing themselves to unhygienic surroundings. According to experts, it's impossible to eradicate rodent population as they come back in huge numbers within six weeks post-elimination.
“All sanitation workers should maintain cleanliness at the end of the day. It’s one way to keep them safe from mite-bite,” said the official. Patients infected with diseases have a high-grade fever with other symptoms of vomiting, respiratory distress and jaundice.
“Lack of waste management is one prime issue and food is available abundantly in the streets. We are planning to convene a meeting with the Suchitwa Mission and the agriculture department soon. The agriculture department is the agency responsible for controlling the rodent population,” said the official.
