Nepal, 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...