Scrub typhus in focus after latest deaths; know signs and precautions from skilled

Sep 04, 2023 at 11:41 AM

Scrub typhus instances are on rise in Rajasthan and Himachal Pradesh and the well being authorities within the states have cautioned common public to observe precautionary tricks to stop its unfold. The latest deaths of 19-year-old IIT JEE aspirant, Sneha Bharti and a 65-year-old in Shima has introduced highlight on the illness. Scrub typhus is a illness that is unfold to individuals by way of chunk of a mite and is brought on by a micro organism generally known as Orientia tsutsugamushi. You could catch it whereas doing outside actions or spending plenty of time in a backyard or a forest space contemplating the mites are present in grass, bushes and even our bodies of sure animals. The signs begin round 10 days after getting contaminated and might embrace fever, headache, physique aches, and generally rash. However, if the illness is just not handled on time, it may trigger a number of organ failure, a life-threatening complication. (Also learn: Dengue outbreaks: 9 reasons why dengue cases are getting more severe; what role does global warming play)

With the onset of monsoon season, this scrub typhus begins to transmit rapidly, Therefore, people engaged in gardening and outdoor activities should be careful(Freepik) — With the onset of monsoon season, this scrub typhus begins to transmit quickly, Therefore, individuals engaged in gardening and outside actions must be cautious(Freepik)

What is Scrub typhusscrub

“Scrub typhus is an infectious disease caused by a bacteria known as Orientia tsutsugamushi. This infection spreads to people through the bite of a mite. This mite is mostly seen in grass, bushes and on the body of animals such as rats, rabbits, mice, and squirrels. Therefore, people engaged in gardening and outdoor activities are at high risk. With the onset of monsoon season, this disease begins to transmit rapidly,” says Dr Santosh Kumar Agrawal, Senior Consultant, Internal Medicine, Marengo Asia Hospitals Faridabad.

All you need to know concerning the signs

Symptoms of typhus group of an infection embrace:

High fever
Chills
Severe headache
Dry cough
Body aches
Muscle ache
A darkish scab-like wound on the web site of the chigger chunk
Enlarged lymph node
Red spots or rashes on the physique
Red eyes
Confusion
Coma
Gastrointestinal signs
Liver and spleen enlargement
Meningitis

Dr Agrawal says that individuals with these signs ought to instantly search medical consideration.

Precautions: What to bear in mind to stop the illness

Dr Agrawal additionally shares all of the precautionary measures that individuals ought to bear in mind to stop getting an infection.

Focus on rodent management, cleanliness and sustaining hygiene.
Be cautious whereas dealing with pets.
Parents ought to be sure youngsters enjoying within the soil wash their arms and legs with cleaning soap and water.
People could apply mite repellents to uncovered pores and skin.
Wear full sleeved garments earlier than venturing out shrubby areas for work.
Do common cleansing of environment together with removing of shrubs and low vegetation will hold mite infestation in examine

How is scrub typhus handled?

“Antibiotics are prescribed to control the infection and initial symptoms of this disease are identical to any viral infection, hence it can be deceptive. In case symptoms are left unattended, these may get worse. In case fever lasts for five days, a blood test is recommended to rule out scrub typhus. Doxycycline is prescribed as the best antibiotic and may work in 24 or 48 hours. Azithromycin medicine may be recommended for pregnant women,” says Dr Agrawal on how one ought to go concerning the remedy of this bacterial illness.