Outbreak Indian Tick Typhus amongst residents of Deol village, District, Kangra, Himachal Pradesh (INDIA)

An epidemiological and entomological investigation of tick typhus outbreak in village, Deol District Kangra (Himachal Pradesh) was undertaken with the aim to determine the occurrence of outbreak in the area and to reinforce control measures for the continent of diseases. During the outbreak a total of 357 cases of acute febrile illness among the total 1223 population was reported. The methodology used was to review of the records of health facilities, rapid fever survey in affected and non affected village, entomological survey for collection of ticks from domestic animals/rodents serological investigation and study of eco-epidemiological feature of the study area. Based on the working case definition, clinical features, symptomatology, serological evidence in the form of IgM antibodies in patient serum, presence of vector species in good number it was concluded that an episode of Indian Typhus has occurred in the village Deol, District Kangra (H.P.) during July 2007. Details of the finding are discussed in the communication. Action taken by local health authorities and recommendations for containment of outbreak has been discussed.