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Student Dies of Scrub Typhus at Anna University
19 Sep
Summary
- A 20-year-old Anna University student died from scrub typhus.
- The student was treated at two government hospitals before passing away.
- Health officials are conducting fever camps and enhanced sanitation on campus.
A 20-year-old student from Anna University's campus hostel succumbed to scrub typhus on Friday, September 19, 2026. The student, identified as Harish, had been suffering from a high fever for four days prior to admission. He was initially treated at Kalaignar Centenary Hospital before being transferred to Government Kilpauk Medical College Hospital.
Doctors confirmed Harish tested positive for scrub typhus, a bacterial illness transmitted by infected mites. Complications from the disease, including respiratory distress and multi-organ failure, led to his death early on Thursday, September 18, 2026. While no other deaths from scrub typhus have been reported on the Anna University campus, another postgraduate student was recently hospitalized with dengue.
In response, the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has organized medical camps and screened over 160 students. Fever camps are set to continue, with zonal health officers and sanitary inspectors conducting surveillance. Intensive sanitation work, including garbage removal and mosquito control, is underway, and university administration has been directed to clear potential breeding sites for stagnant water.
