Recently, the Kerala Health department has issued an alert against scrub typhus as fresh cases of the disease have been reported from Kalath and District Court wards in Alappuzha municipality. This infectious disease is caused by Orientia tsutsugamushi bacteria and poses a significant public health threat in South and Southeast Asia.
What is Scrub Typhus?
Scrub typhus is a life-threatening infection caused by the Orientia tsutsugamushi bacteria, which belongs to the Rickettsiaceae family. This disease primarily spreads to people through the bites of infected chiggers, which are larval mites found in areas with dense vegetation. The infection is most common in rural and forested regions where these mites thrive.
Symptoms of Scrub Typhus
The most common symptoms of scrub typhus include:
- Fever: Patients usually experience high-grade fever, often exceeding 102°F (39°C).
- Headache: Intense headaches are common, causing significant discomfort.
- Body Aches: Severe muscle and joint pain are prevalent symptoms.
- Rash: Some patients may develop a rash, usually after a few days of fever.
- If left untreated, scrub typhus can lead to severe complications, including organ failure, central nervous system involvement, and even death.
Treatment and Prevention
Scrub typhus is a serious illness that requires prompt medical attention. The antibiotic doxycycline is the first-line treatment for scrub typhus and should be initiated as soon as the diagnosis is suspected. The good news is that doxycycline is effective in patients of all age groups, including children and pregnant women.
Unfortunately, there is no vaccine available for scrub typhus, making prevention challenging. However, several preventive measures can be taken to reduce the risk of infection:
- Avoid High-Risk Areas: If possible, avoid visiting areas known to be hotspots for scrub typhus, especially during the peak transmission season.
- Use Insect Repellent: When visiting areas with vegetation and possible mite exposure, use insect repellents containing DEET or picaridin.
- Wear Protective Clothing: Cover your skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and closed shoes to minimize skin exposure.
- Maintain Hygiene: Regularly wash and inspect your body for ticks and mites after spending time outdoors.
Typhus Fever: A Group of Diseases
Scrub typhus is just one of the three types of typhus fevers caused by different bacteria:
Epidemic Typhus
- Caused by Rickettsia prowazeki, this form of typhus is transmitted through contact with infected body lice.
- The disease can spread rapidly in overcrowded and unhygienic conditions, leading to epidemics.
Scrub Typhus
- Scrub typhus caused by Orientia tsutsugamushi, transmitted through chiggers.
Murine Typhus
- This type of typhus is caused by Rickettsia typhi and is spread primarily by fleas.
- Murine typhus is commonly found in tropical and subtropical climates worldwide.
India’s Struggle with Scrub Typhus
India is one of the hotspots for scrub typhus, burdened with at least 25% of the disease cases reported globally. The disease is more prevalent in regions with dense vegetation and high humidity, making Kerala particularly vulnerable. The recent cases reported in Alappuzha municipality should serve as a wake-up call for authorities and healthcare professionals to take preventive measures and raise awareness among the public.
