Journalism of Courage
This is an archive article published on September 6, 2023
What is scrub typhus, the infectious disease claiming lives in India?
As per reports, at least 5 people have succumbed to scrub typhus and more than 700 people have tested positive.
The primary cause of scrub typhus is the bite of infected berry bugs, commonly known as chiggers. (Source: Freepik)
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What is scrub typhus, the infectious disease claiming lives in India?
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Monsoon season brings much-needed relief from the scorching heat, but that also entails a host of diseases, from bacterial infections to waterborne diseases, the list is endless. Recently, another bacterial infection has cropped up — scrub typhus — which is claiming lives Rajasthan and Himachal Pradesh. As per reports, at least 5 people have succumbed to the infection and more than 700 people have tested positive.
But what exactly is scrub typhus?
According to Dr Neha Rastogi, consultant, infectious disease, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram, scrub typhus is an emerging infectious disease with seasonal flare caused by the bacterium ‘Orientia tsutsugamushi’, which is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected mites found in areas with heavy vegetation. It is commonly found in the Asia-Pacific region, including India, and is more prominent during rains and in hilly areas.
“It is majorly spread in human beings by the bites of infected mites known as chiggers. These mites are usually present in dense forest green environments and tall grasses. The symptoms include fever, headache, muscle pain, rashes, and swollen lymph nodes,” said Dr Sujit Chatterjee, CEO, Dr LH Hiranandani Hospital, Powai, Mumbai said.
Additionally, a characteristic feature of scrub typhus is an eschar (a type of necrotic tissue that can develop on severe wounds), a dark, scab-like lesion at the site of the chigger bite. “Without treatment, severe cases can lead to organ dysfunction, including respiratory and renal failure,” Dr Rastogi noted.
Diagnosis and treatment
The symptoms include fever, headache, muscle pain, rashes, and swollen lymph nodes. (Source: Freepik)
Scrub typhus is a disease of concern in India because of potential to cause significant morbidity and in some cases, mortality if not diagnosed and treated promptly. “It has overlapping symptoms in monsoon season with malaria, dengue and other febrile illnesses — making overt diagnosis and management both challenging and crucial,” Dr Rastogi said.
Those at risk of scrub typhus include people living in rural or forested areas, being involved in outdoor activities such as farming, camping or hiking in endemic regions, and lack of protective measures, said Dr Samrat Shah, consultant internist, Bhatia Hospital, Mumbai.
To prevent scrub typhus, he said that it is important to take preventive measures such as wearing protective clothing, using insect repellents, and avoiding areas with dense vegetation. Early diagnosis and treatment with antibiotics like doxycycline or azithromycin can effectively treat scrub typhus.
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“While scrub typhus can be a serious and potentially fatal disease, especially if left untreated, prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment significantly reduce the risk of complications and death. It is essential to seek medical attention if you suspect you have been infected with scrub typhus,” Dr Shah concluded.
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