INTRODUCTION : Scrub typhus is a well-known zoonotic disease and it is also a neglected tropical disease. It was once thought to be a disease which was prevalent in rural population but in the recent past which has become a major public
health problem.
OBJECTIVE : To analyse the epidemiological profile of Scrub typhus in Tamil Nadu.
METHODS : It’s a descriptive cross-sectional study using secondary data of 35662 samples from IHIP-IDSP between 2021 and 2023. The collected data was analysed using SPSS-16 and QGIS-3.34.Data were expressed as tables, charts and maps.
RESULTS : Among the sample tested,1746 were positive for Scrub typhus with positivity rate of 4.8% and equal distribution between genders. The positivity rate was similar between 1 and 60 age group but maximum hospitalisation was observed in children less than 10 years. The prevalence of cases was found throughout the year in most of the districts with peaks between September to December.
CONCLUSION : Scrub typhus has become a re-emerging disease of public health importance. From being a disease of monsoon and post monsoon trend it has become endemic in most districts with sporadic outbreaks. More field studies and holistic approach involving intersectoral coordination and implementation of One Health is crucial to prevent any public health events due to Scrub typhus.