Nepal records 10,210 scrub typhus cases across 74 districts, with seven deaths
Nepal’s Epidemiology and Disease Control Division says scrub typhus has infected 10,210 people in 74 districts since January, with seven deaths confirmed. Cases rose sharply during July, August and September; health authorities are stepping up surveillance, testing and treatment as the mite-borne infection spreads.
Bottom line — The EDCD has 5,000 rapid test kits in reserve as Nepal works to improve diagnosis and treatment.
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The Himalayan Times reports Lumbini had the most cases, at 2,848; Gandaki had the highest incidence rate, at 78.5 per 100,000 people.
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The Himalayan Times says infections peaked at 2,833 in September, after 2,571 in August and 1,352 in July.
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Khabarhub reports that around 1,000 doctors and health workers received scrub typhus training in Asadh.
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Khabarhub says rapid test kits have been supplied to provincial and local authorities, while antibiotics and other medicines have been sent to areas reporting infections.
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AsiaNews reports nine deaths in Salyan, including eight in Darma; the EDCD’s national tally reported by Khabarhub is seven, so the accounts differ.
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AsiaNews reports 56 new Salyan infections were detected in one day; officials there cited delayed testing and residents buying medicines without seeking diagnosis.
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The Himalayan Times advises people working in fields, bushes and forests to wear long sleeves, use insect repellent and protective footwear, and seek medical care promptly if symptoms develop.