Along with cases of dengue and flu, Hyderabad has now also seen a rise in cases of scrub typhus, which is usually seen in rural areas but is now also present in urban areas, affecting immunocompromised individuals, children. And the elderly are at risk. Doctor. Scrub typhus, also known as bush typhus, is a disease caused by the bacteria Orientia tsutsugamushi, where the bacterium Orientia tsutsugamushi is spread through the bites of infected larval mites, which can also infect rodents and Mites are commonly called chiggers.
Reason:
In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr. Yojana Pokaran, MD Ayurveda and Founder of Origin Clinic, revealed, “Scrub typhus is a disease caused by small insects called mites. These mites contain a pathogen called Orientia tsutsugamushi. When they bite humans, they can pass this germ.
symptoms:
According to Dr Nidhi Kamat, consultant general physician, general infectious diseases, Ramakrishna Hospital in Jayanagar, Bengaluru, “The disease can manifest with severe symptoms, including high fever, chills, severe headache, body aches and a distinct crust. Like wound formation. The spot is called an ‘eschar’ where the chigger has bitten. Additional indicators may include swollen lymph nodes, the appearance of a rash, and mental status changes such as confusion, or in severe cases, even coma. In the most severe cases, scrub typhus can lead to organ failure and bleeding, potentially fatal if not treated promptly.
Dr Subrata Das, senior consultant, internal medicine and diabetology at Sakra World Hospital, Bengaluru, also cautioned, “Severe symptoms of the condition include fever, rashes on palms and shoulders, vomiting, diarrhoea, chills, headache, body aches.” And can join. The development of a characteristic lesion that resembles a scab at the site of a chigger bite. Swollen lymph nodes, rash, and mental changes such as confusion or coma may also occur, a condition called encephalitis. Scrub typhus can cause organ failure and bleeding in extreme cases, which can be fatal if not treated.
Treatment and Prevention Tips:
Dr. Kritu Bandhari, MD, in dermatology and cosmetology, said that most cases of scrub typhus occur in rural areas of Southeast Asia, Indonesia, China, Japan, India and Northern Australia, so anyone living or traveling in those areas. The person is found to have scrub typhus. Can get infected. “Scrub typhus should be treated with the antibiotic doxycycline,” he suggested. Doxycycline can be used in individuals of any age. Antibiotics are most effective if given soon after symptoms begin. People who are treated quickly with doxycycline usually recover quickly. There is no vaccine available to prevent scrub typhus. Reduce your risk of getting scrub typhus by avoiding contact with infected chiggers. When traveling to areas where scrub typhus is common, avoid areas with a lot of vegetation and bushes where chiggers can be found.
Emphasizing that to get better, you need to visit a doctor as soon as possible, Dr. Yojana Pokarna said that they will usually give you antibiotics, like doxycycline or azithromycin, but in bad cases, you may have to go to the hospital. And extra care may be required. , He suggested the following tips to avoid scrub typhus:
1. Don’t let the mites bite you. Wear long clothes, use bug spray and avoid sitting on the ground in mite-prone areas.
2. Keep your surroundings clean to reduce the number of mite infestations.
3. Get rid of rodents (like rats), as they can attract mites.
4. Learn about scrub typhus if you live in an area where it is common.
5. If you feel sick with symptoms of scrub typhus, see a doctor immediately.
Dr Nidhi Kamat said, “To prevent scrub typhus: avoid bushy areas, wear full body protection and use DEET insect repellent. In places where scrub typhus is common, if you have symptoms similar to this disease, see a doctor immediately. Tell them where you’ve traveled recently. They can take blood tests and start specific antibiotic treatments without waiting for test results. Antibiotics work for people of all ages and can help you recover faster. Prompt antibiotic treatment is essential for successful recovery.”
Dr. Subrata Das concluded, “Avoid areas with thick grass and wear long clothing when using DEET insect repellent. If you have symptoms that appear to be scrub typhus, don’t hesitate; To seek immediate medical attention. Your doctor will likely recommend antibiotics such as doxycycline, which is effective for all age groups and can speed recovery. Your health care practitioner may also perform blood tests, including either the new IFA test or the traditional Weil Felix test.
Awareness of the causes, symptoms and prevention measures of scrub typhus is important in areas where the disease is endemic to reduce its impact on public health. Prompt diagnosis and appropriate antibiotic treatment are the keys to effectively managing the infection.