Rajasthan, one of the largest states in India, has witnessed a spike in scrub typhus cases in the past week. Scrub typhus is a bacterial infection that is transmitted by the bite of infected mites, also known as chiggers, that live in grassy areas. The disease can cause high fever, headache, rash, and organ failure if left untreated.
What are the statistics?
According to the state health department, 242 new cases of scrub typhus were reported from August 4 to August 11, 2023. This accounts for about 47% of the total 510 cases reported in the state since January 1, 2023. The highest number of cases were reported from Udaipur district (120), followed by Jaipur (90), Dausa (46), and Alwar (32). No cases were reported from Bikaner, Sriganganagar, Jodhpur, Sirohi, Jalore and Barmer districts. The situation is better than last year, when more than 700 cases were reported in the same period.
What are the symptoms and treatment?
The symptoms of scrub typhus usually appear within one to two weeks after the bite of an infected mite. They include fever, headache, muscle pain, cough, and a black scab at the site of the bite. Some patients may also develop a rash on the trunk and limbs. In severe cases, scrub typhus can cause complications such as pneumonia, meningitis, hepatitis, renal failure, and shock.
The diagnosis of scrub typhus is based on clinical signs and laboratory tests. The most commonly used test is IgM ELISA, which detects antibodies against the bacteria in the blood. Other tests include PCR, which amplifies the DNA of the bacteria, and immunofluorescence assay, which visualizes the bacteria under a microscope.
The treatment of scrub typhus is with antibiotics such as doxycycline or azithromycin. The patients should be treated as soon as possible to prevent complications and reduce mortality. The case-fatality rate of scrub typhus in India is estimated to be around 6.3%, but it can be as high as 38.9% among those with multi-organ dysfunction syndrome.
How to prevent scrub typhus?
Scrub typhus is a preventable disease that can be avoided by reducing exposure to mites and their habitats. The following measures can help prevent scrub typhus:
- Avoid walking or sitting in grassy areas where mites may be present.
- Wear protective clothing such as long sleeves, trousers, socks, and shoes when visiting rural or forested areas.
- Apply insect repellents containing DEET or permethrin on clothes and skin.
- Check for mites and remove them promptly after returning from outdoor activities.
- Seek medical attention if you develop fever or other symptoms suggestive of scrub typhus.
Conclusion
Scrub typhus is a serious but neglected tropical disease that poses a threat to public health in India. The disease has re-emerged in Rajasthan due to favorable environmental conditions for mite breeding during the monsoon season. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment can save lives and reduce morbidity. Awareness and prevention are key to control the spread of scrub typhus.
Source:
(1) State logs 242 cases of scrub typhus in 7 days - Times of India. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/jaipur/state-logs-242-cases-of-scrub-typhus-in-7-days/articleshow/102818106.cms.
(2) The burden of scrub typhus in India: A systematic review. https://journals.plos.org/plosntds/article?id=10.1371/journal.pntd.0009619.
(3) Scrub Typhus: A Neglected Tropical Disease and A Potential Threat in .... https://microbiologyjournal.org/scrub-typhus-a-neglected-tropical-disease-and-a-potential-threat-in-north-india/.
(4) Journal of the Association of Physicians of India - JAPI. https://www.japi.org/s2b494b4/diagnosis-and-treatment-of-scrub-typhus-the-indian-scenario.
(5) undefined. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pntd.0009619.
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