SATV, Kathmandu, October 7- Scrub typhus has been reported in 74 districts across Nepal, prompting the Ministry of Health and Food Safety to intensify disease surveillance, testing, treatment, healthcare worker training and risk communication activities.
According to the Epidemiology and Disease Control Division, 10,210 cases of scrub typhus have been reported from 74 districts since January 2026. The division has verified seven deaths linked to the infection.
In view of the spread of the disease, the Epidemiology and Disease Control Division under the ministry has been holding discussions since June with officials from all districts in the seven provinces, as well as representatives of selected local governments and provincial secretaries, on scrub typhus prevention and control.
The ministry is regularly monitoring the situation and disease trends through surveillance systems including the Early Warning and Reporting System (EWARS) and the Surveillance Outbreak Response Management and Analysis System (SORMAS).
Efforts are also underway to ensure the availability of necessary testing materials and medicines in areas identified as being at higher risk of infection. Rapid diagnostic test kits required for scrub typhus testing have been distributed to provincial and local governments based on need.
The Management Division of the Department of Health Services currently has a buffer stock of 5,000 testing kits. Antibiotics and other medicines required for treatment have also been supplied to areas where infections have been reported.
The ministry has also prioritized strengthening the capacity of healthcare workers for timely diagnosis and effective treatment. Virtual and in-person training and orientation sessions on scrub typhus diagnosis and case management are currently being conducted.
The division said around 1,000 doctors and healthcare workers received training and orientation on the disease in June alone.
The ministry, through the National Health Education, Information and Communication Centre, is also disseminating health education materials on scrub typhus prevention and control to raise public awareness.
Meanwhile, the ministry said regular surveillance, expansion of access to testing and treatment, mobilization of healthcare workers and coordination with local governments are continuing in areas where infections have been reported at higher levels.
