Scrub Typhus: A Monsoon Season Threat in India

The Indian Express, New Delhi, September, 2023: Scrub typhus, a concerning bacterial infection caused by Orientia tsutsugamushi, is claiming lives in Rajasthan and Himachal Pradesh. Over 700 cases have been reported, with at least five fatalities. This infectious disease spreads through mite (chigger) bites in lush, vegetated regions during the monsoon season and often mimics other monsoon illnesses like malaria and dengue.

Dr. Sujit Chatterjee, CEO of Dr. LH Hiranandani Hospital, Mumbai, stated, ‘Symptoms include fever, headache, rashes, muscle pain, and swollen lymph nodes.’ Early detection and treatment with antibiotics like doxycycline or azithromycin are vital for recovery. Prevention involves wearing protective clothing, using insect repellents, and avoiding dense vegetation. Scrub typhus, though a monsoon threat, can be effectively managed with awareness and timely treatment.