Scrub Typhus death reported in Varkala

Thiruvananthapuram: A 15-year-old girl died of Scrub Typhus (locally known as ‘chellu pani’) at Parippally Medical College Hospital on Wednesday evening.

Following her death, a health team visited the house of the girl as directed by the minister for health Veena George. The squad collected samples of blood from six people, including the parents, sister and relatives for testing. Samples have also been collected from the surroundings of the house.

Aswathy, daughter of Shaji Das and Anitha, of Panthu Vilayil Veedu at Varkala, was admitted to the medical college on June 3. According to her father,

Aswathy had developed fever and vomiting on June 1. She was initially taken to Vettoor PHC, however she was later referred to Varkala taluk hospital on June 2 and was discharged at night as there was progress in her health. However on June 3 morning she collapsed while having food and was rushed to Parippally Medical College Hospital.

“She was unconscious when she was brought here on June 3 and her heart was infected. We shifted her to the ventilator immediately and later to the ICU. In the meantime she was tested positive for Scrub Typhus,” said Dr Santhosh G S, Superintendent of Parippally Medical College Hospital.

He also said that the disease does not spread from one person to another.

Aswathy was a class X student of Njekkad Government Higher Secondary School in Varkala.

A squad, headed by district medical officer, visited Parippally Medical College and Cherunniyoor on Thursday.

Earlier, Cherunniyoor medical officer visited the place and collected preliminary information. The minister said measures have been taken to destroy the fleas that spread the infection. People have been urged to be aware to resist the infection.