Scrub typhus: truths and myths you must know

Scrub typhus has many truths and myths confusing people. This post is meant to spread awareness about this disease

Currently due to the increased number of cases in West Bengal and other states of India Scrub typhus is the name of a demon in general people and more so to parents.

Before I go into details of scrub typhus lets, take a look into truths and misconceptions about it.

Misconceptions about scrub typhus

1. It is a newly discovered illness.
2. It is an uncommon illness.
3. It is limited to only certain parts of West Bengal and few other states.
4. It cannot be cured and leads to death in most affected cases.
5. Drugs are not available to treat this infection.

Truths

1. It is a common and serious infection and can occur all ages.
2. In severe cases, if not properly treated can lead to loss of life.
3. It can be missed easily in initial phases with other common viral infections like Flu and Dengue.
4. It is a curable illness.
5. Drugs are easily available to treat this infection

Scrub Typhus is a disease  caused by a bacteria named Orienta tsutsugamushi. It is a zoonosis that means an animal disease that can spread to humans. It primarily affects rodents, rabbits, and marsupials. This Rickettsial infection is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected Leptotombidium mite larvae, called Chiggers. The mites are mainly found in grasslands, forests, bush areas, wood piles, gardens, and beaches. Rarely it can be transmitted through unscreened blood transfusions and unhygienic needles. It does not spread from person to person.

Signs and symptoms of Scrub typhus may include:

The disease usually begins within 10 days of being bitten.

1. Fever with chills
2. Headache
3. Body aches and muscle
   pain
4. A dark, scab-like
   region at the site of the chigger bite (also known as eschar, may be absent in
   some cases)
5. Mental changes,
   ranging from confusion to coma
6. Enlarged lymph nodes(glands)
7. Rash
8. Dry cough,  breathing difficulties
9. In severe cases
   bleeding and multiple organ failure

Treatment

1. Scrub typhus must be treated with the antibiotic like  Doxycycline.  Doxycycline can be used at any age.
2. Antibiotics are very effective if given soon after symptoms begin.
3. People who are treated early with doxycycline usually recover very fast.

Prevention

1. No vaccine is available to prevent scrub typhus.
   1. 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 lots of vegetation and brush where chiggers may be found.
   2. When hiking in wooded areas, stay in the middle of the
      trail and avoid tall grasses and shrubs. Wear long shirts and pants tucked into
      socks. 
   3. If you will be
      spending time outdoors: Use DEET or
      other active ingredients registered for use against chiggers, on exposed skin
      and clothing.
   4. If you’re going to an area where Scrub Typhus is endemic,
      ask your healthcare practitioner about preventive antibiotics.
   5. If you have a baby or child:
   6. Dress your child in
      clothing that covers arms and legs, or cover crib, stroller, and baby carrier
      with mosquito netting.
   7. Do not apply insect
      repellent onto a child’s hands, eyes, or mouth or on cuts or irritated skin.

I am joining a Blogchatter special Social responsibility track Cause a Chatter. If you want to share awareness about a social cause, don’t forget to sign up here for #CauseAChatter.

drabhijitmisra.com Disclaimer: All health information provided on this blog is for general awareness and doesn’t in any way replace a doctor’s professional medical advice. Kindly consult your doctor in case of any decision regarding your health, and diet. The information provided is for awareness. This is not meant as professional medical consultation. Healthcare is an individual decision and needs careful discussion and professional consultation before taking any decision. The author is sharing his professional knowledge. This post is meant as educational and awareness information and all decisions to be taken at own risk after consulting their own doctor in person. Health information is constantly being updated and while the author tries his best to keep updated information, the author and the website shall not be held liable for any reliance placed on such content for any reason whatsoever.

• Covid 19 in children
• Constipation in children: solution guide to parents
• Leprosy: a curable disease
• Paediatric Food Allergies: What Parents Must Know
• Newborn baby healthy or not? 6 things mother should check