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Anna University student died of scrub typhus, not dengue: health dept
Tamil Nadu's Public Health Department has clarified that a student death at Anna University was caused by scrub typhus, not dengue, in a bid to dispel misinformation that sparked health concerns on campus.
LSN India ·
The Tamil Nadu Public Health Department on Wednesday issued a clarification stating that the death of an Anna University student was due to scrub typhus infection, not dengue fever. The department posted the statement on social media platform X to address widespread confusion following the student's death.
According to the health department, the case represented the only documented instance of scrub typhus linked to the university. The clarification came after news of a potential dengue outbreak circulated among the student community, triggering widespread alarm on campus.
Following the circulation of dengue-related reports, numerous students rushed to the university's primary health centre seeking diagnostic tests. The surge in health centre visits reflected the anxiety prevalent among the student body regarding the disease.
Scrub typhus is a mite-borne infectious disease caused by the bacterium Orientia tsutsugamushi. The disease is distinct from dengue, which is transmitted by mosquitoes. The department's clarification aims to prevent unnecessary panic while ensuring students remain informed about actual health risks on campus.
The university administration has not yet issued an official statement regarding the incident or measures being taken to ensure student health and safety.