Scrub Typhus scare in Odisha's Angul, one dead and over 15 infected

A suspected outbreak of scrub typhus has triggered panic among residents of Sanabagadari village under Pabitrapur Gram Panchayat under Pallahara block of Odisha's Angul district. One person has reportedly died of the infection, while more than 15 others are said to have been affected. According to local sources, the situation came to light after several villagers developed symptoms such as fever and severe headaches a few days ago. The affected residents reportedly suspected that they had been bitten by an unidentified insect while working or moving around the village. Following the onset of symptoms, some villagers were taken to a medical facility for examination. Tests later confirmed that they had contracted scrub typhus, a bacterial infection generally transmitted through the bite of infected mites. The death of a villager identified as Samunt Sethi has heightened concerns among residents, with fear spreading across the village over the possibility of further infections. Local residents are reportedly worried about the spread of the disease and are seeking necessary medical assistance and preventive measures. The administration has said that the situation is being closely monitored and that necessary steps are being taken to keep track of the affected people and prevent the infection from spreading further.