Bhubaneswar, Sept. 9 (UDN): The Odisha Health and Family Welfare Department is maintaining heightened surveillance for scrub typhus across the state, but no case of the infection has been confirmed so far, Health Minister Dr Mukesh Mahaling said on Wednesday.

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The minister appealed to people not to panic, stating that suspected cases tested so far, including one reported from Palalahada in Angul district, have returned negative results.

Suspected Cases Test Negative

Addressing the media, Mahaling said the suspected patient from Palalahada underwent an ELISA test, which came back negative for scrub typhus.

He reiterated that there is currently no confirmed case in Odisha and urged people to remain calm while following health advisories.

Guidelines Issued Across Healthcare Facilities

The minister said the Health and Family Welfare Department has already issued guidelines covering the prevention, surveillance and management of scrub typhus.

Healthcare institutions across the state have been directed to follow the prescribed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) while dealing with suspected infections.

Districts Asked to Remain Vigilant

Surveillance has been strengthened to facilitate early identification of any potential cases and ensure a quick response if an infection is detected.

District health authorities have also been instructed to maintain vigilance and strictly implement the preventive and monitoring measures outlined by the state government.

The Health Department said the situation is being closely monitored, with officials continuing to assess reports from across Odisha.