ITAHARI, Sept 5: An increasing number of inmates at Jhumka Prison in Sunsari have fallen ill, with tests confirming scrub typhus in four prisoners and dengue in three. Authorities said reports of several other inmates are still pending.
The situation escalated after three inmates died between August 31 and September 3, while over 500 others developed high fever. Following the deaths, emergency medical teams were deployed for continuous health checkups and blood sample collection. Tests later confirmed the presence of scrub typhus and dengue, according to the prison health department.
Dr Binesh Mandal of the District Hospital Inaruwa said four cases of scrub typhus have been confirmed so far, but many reports are still pending. He added that the overcrowded prison environment has contributed to the rapid spread of infections.
Dengue and scrub typhus patients on the rise in Baitadi
Scrub typhus is transmitted through mites that feed on rodents and carry the bacteria Orientia tsutsugamushi. If left untreated, it can be fatal. Dengue, meanwhile, is spread by mosquito bites. Authorities said preparations are being made to fumigate the prison to control mosquito breeding.
Sunsari’s Chief District Officer Dharmendra Mishra stated that health workers are conducting thorough screenings of all inmates. “The situation is under control,” he said, adding that separate medical teams from the Provincial Health Office, District Health Office, and BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences (BPKIHS) are actively engaged in treatment.
BPKIHS spokesperson Dr Abhijit Kumar issued a statement on Friday saying that infected prisoners admitted to the institute are recovering.
The outbreak began two weeks ago, with seven to eight inmates showing symptoms. Since then, 13 severely ill prisoners with high fever have been transferred to BPKIHS Dharan for treatment. Currently, more than 500 inmates at Jhumka Prison are suffering from fever, and medical camps have been set up overnight to provide care.
Apart from seasonal illnesses, nearly 500 inmates at the prison are also suffering from chronic conditions such as tuberculosis, asthma, diabetes, hypertension, thyroid disorders, and mental health issues. Jhumka Prison houses a total of 1,798 inmates in blocks A and B.
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