It seems that India is a health emergency as some lethal infections and diseases are continuously claiming lives in different parts of the country. Scrub Typhus is one of the diseases which is spreading rapidly across Odisha and Himachal Pradesh, claiming five and nine lives in these states respectively. Over 130 scrub typhus-positive cases have been recorded alone in Sundargarh district of Odisha this year and 900+ cases in Himachal Pradesh, which raise the alarm. Health authorities in both the states have pulled up their socks against this deadly disease which is caused by the bite of an infected mite. Since the symptoms of scrub typhus are very common and go unrecognised, the fatality rate is high. In an exclusive conversation with Onlymyhealth, Dr Tribhuvan Gulati, Lead Consultant, Diabetes, Obesity & Internal Medicine at the CK Birla Hospital (R), Delhi shares key information about this infectious disease which can be really informative for everyone to stay safe.
What is Scrub Typhus?
Dr Gulati explains, "Scrub typhus, also known as Bush Typhus, is caused by the Orientia tsutsugamushi bacterium. This disease is highly prevalent in Asia, the Pacific Islands, and Northern Australia. This bacterial infection is transmitted through chigger (red bugs) bites and can show symptoms like fever and muscle aches, severe complications including pneumonia, and organ failure. If a person has any such symptoms should get it checked. Diagnosis is often based on clinical symptoms and confirmed through blood tests. Timely treatment with antibiotics like doxycycline is essential to fight against this infection. Preventive measures like proper clothing and insect repellent should be used to reduce the risk of scrub typhus, especially in endemic areas."
How Does Scrub Typhus Spread?
As mentioned by Dr Gulati, Scrub Typhus is caused due to ‘Orientia tsutsugamushi’ which was previously named 'Rickettsia tsutsugamushi’. Some species of mites called as Chiggers carry these bacterium and infect humans and rodents. Since these mites are very small, they are not visible with the naked eye and therefore, left unidentified. Also, the infection can only be caused at the larva stage. When this infected chigger bites, it leaves a black scab which helps in making the diagnosis.
Also Read: Warning Signs Of Scrub Typhus To Watch Out For
When Does Scrub Typhus Spread?
Scrub typhus is a seasonal disease whose outbreak occurs as per climatic conditions. Infection causing mites are more active in hot and humid environments and this disease is highly prevalent during the rainy season. However, these infected mites thrive more in bushy areas, forests and riverbanks due to favourable breeding conditions.
What Are The Symptoms of Scrub Typhus?
The incubation period(time period of getting infected and showing symptoms) of scrub typhus is 5 to 20 days. Initial symptoms usually become visible within 10 days after an infected bite. Here are some signs and symptoms of scrub typhus to watch out for:
- High fever and chills
- Persistent headache
- Nausea
- Body ache
- Muscle pain
- Nausea
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Abdominal pain
- Rashes
- Mental changes
These symptoms when left unattended may cause severe complications like internal bleeding that may lead to multiple organ failure. This disease can also impact the central nervous system causing serious mental issues and cardiovascular complications.
History Of Scrub Typhus
Scrub typhus is there for a very long time. Its first mention dates back to 313 AD in China in a clinical manual. Many years later(1810 AD) in Japan, Hakuju Hashimoto described this disease(named Tsutsuga back then) as a noxious harmful disease. Clinicians and scientists from Indonesia, Taiwan, Vietnam, Philippines, Australia, Malaysia, Vietnam and India reported the first cases in the early 1900s.
In India, the first case of Scrub Typhus was reported in 1932.
Scrub Typhus Diagnosis and Treatment
Since the symptoms of scrub typhus are very generic and similar to other diseases, it is important to visit a doctor as soon as you experience potential symptoms as listed above. There are several tests that doctors may prescribe to confirm scrub typhus disease. Scrub typhus diagnosis is important to manage the condition and prevent its critical complications.
While there is no treatment available for scrub typhus, doctors give antibiotics to manage the symptoms. These help control the disease which reduces the risk of fatal complications.
How To Prevent Scrub Typhus?
There is no vaccine for scrub typhus as a sure shot treatment, hence, prevention is the only way out.
Here are some preventive measures that you should take to stay safe from scrub typhus:
- Stay preventive of coming in contact with insects and mites.
- Maintain good hygiene practices by washing your hands often.
- Keep your surroundings clean and use repellents to keep insects, mosquitoes and mites at bay.
- Avoid getting closer to bushes and riverfronts especially during monsoons as this is the peak breeding time.
- Avoid travelling to areas where scrub typhus is common.
- Use insect-repellents on exposed skin and clothes before heading out.
- Try to cover your arms and legs when going in scrub typhus-prone areas.
- Do not come in direct contact with an infected person.
These are some tips to prevent scrub typhus. Additionally, you must be vigilant towards any potential symptom of scrub typhus. Consult a doctor immediately and isolate yourself to keep your loved ones safe.
Infographics By- Khushi Goel
References:
- https://www.cdc.gov/typhus/scrub/index.html
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32244598/
- https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/epidemiology/epidemiology-fact-sheets/scrub-typhus-fever-mite-borne/