Scrub typhus: All you need to know about disease reported in Kerala

According to reports, 70 people have been diagnosed with Scrub Typhus and five have died in the last six months in Kerala. 

Sumit Jha

Published Jul 19, 2022 | 4:38 PM ⚊ Updated Mar 13, 2023 | 11:26 AM

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Chiggers (larval mites) bites cause Scrub typhus. (Representative Image / Creative Common)

Three people in Kerala have died due to Scrub Typhus — a bacterial disease — in the last two months.

According to reports, 70 people have been diagnosed with the disease out of which fifteen are undergoing treatment in Kerala. 

A total of five people have died due to the bacterial disease in the state. The latest victim is an 11-year-old boy who died due during treatment at Avittom Thirunal (SAT) hospital in Thiruvananthapuram on Monday, 18 July.

What is Scrub Typhus

• Scrub typhus is also known as bush typhus.
• It is a disease caused by a bacteria called Orientia tsutsugamushi.

Affected States 

• Kerala
• West Bengal
• Uttar Pradesh

Symptoms to look for

• Fever and chills
• Headache
• Body aches
• Rashes
• Muscle pain
• Enlarged lymph nodes
• Red eyes
• Dry cough
• Scabs where chigger mites

Severity

If not treated on time, patients may develop encephalitis and pneumonia, which may be fatal. 

How does it spread?

• Chiggers (larval mites) bites cause Scrub typhus.

Whom to consult

• Physician
• Infectious disease specialist
• Internal Medicine doctor

How is it diagnosed?

• Polymerase chain reaction(PCR) test is conducted to identify the disease.

Treatment

• Antibiotic doxycycline or chloramphenicol in more severe cases.
• Azithromycin

Prevention

• Families with pets like mice, squirrels, rabbits, dogs, cats and goats should be cautious while handling animals.
• When travelling to areas affected by Scrub typhus avoid areas with lots of vegetation and brush where chiggers may be found.

Do we have vaccines for 

• Vaccine for the disease is yet not available. 

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