Bhubaneswar, Sept 19: Amid concerns over scrub typhus and diarrhoea in parts of Odisha, Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling has assured the public that there is no need to panic. He said the Health Department has issued specific guidelines to prevent and manage scrub typhus cases across the state.The minister said a scrub typhus infection cannot be confirmed without an ELISA test. According to him, no new positive cases have been detected since January. He added that complaints reported from Sundargarh may relate to older cases and are currently being re-examined.A special team from the Health Department has visited Sundargarh and Palalahada to assess the situation on the ground. The department is also conducting weekly monitoring of the situation, while the minister himself is keeping a close watch on developments.Diarrhoea situation in Rayagada.Meanwhile, the Health Department has stepped up surveillance following reports of diarrhoea in Rayagada and surrounding areas. A dedicated monitoring team is tracking the situation and assessing the spread of the illness.Health officials have advised residents to consume safe and purified drinking water, as contaminated water and food are among the major causes of diarrhoeal diseases.Arrangements have been made to provide necessary medicines and medical services in the affected areas. The Food Safety Department has also intensified inspections to prevent the sale and consumption of suspected or contaminated food.Officials are continuing to monitor both situations closely and have been directed to ensure timely medical assistance and preventive measures wherever required.
No need to panic over Scrub Typhus, says Odisha Health Minister
