What is Scrub Typhus? All you need to know about this deadly infection

A concerning new infectious disease called Scrub Typhus has emerged in certain regions of India, like in the states of Odisha and Himachal Pradesh, leading to unexpected fatalities. Odisha has reported five fatalities so far, while Himachal Pradesh's Shimla region has witnessed a total of nine deaths.

What is Scrub Typhus?

Scrub Typhus, also referred to as bush typhus, is a bacterial illness caused by Orienta tsuysugamushi. It is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected chiggers, which are the larval stage of mites. These tiny mites feed on the skin of both animals and humans and are commonly found in warm, humid areas with dense vegetation, such as forests, bushlands, and grasslands.

Symptoms of Scrub typhus

Symptoms of Scrub Typhus typically manifest about 10 to 12 days after an individual is bitten by an infected mite. The initial sign is a reddish or pinkish lesion at the site of the mite bite, followed by symptoms like headache, fever, chills, general discomfort, and swollen lymph nodes. Approximately one week after the onset of fever, a pinkish rash can develop on the trunk of the body, possibly extending to the arms and legs. While the fever may subside within two weeks, it can persist for three to four weeks in some cases.

Prevention of Scrub typhus

Currently, there is no available vaccine to prevent Scrub Typhus. The primary method of reducing the risk of infection is by avoiding contact with chiggers known to be carriers of the disease. Preventive measures include focusing on rodent control, maintaining cleanliness and hygiene, handling pets with caution, applying mite repellents to exposed skin, and regularly cleaning the surroundings, including the removal of shrubs and low vegetation.

Treatment of Scrub typhus

Treatment for Scrub Typhus, according to recommendations from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), involves the use of the antibiotic doxycycline. Doxycycline can be administered to individuals of any age to effectively treat the disease.

Also watch: Nipah virus: two-day holiday in Kerala's Kozhikode as state reports fifth case