A 12-year-old boy named Ahmed, a resident of Tikri village in Meerut, died. Scrub typhus. Ahmed was under treatment at Nutima Hospital; However, the death report has been sent to the government and the sample has been sent to the medical college’s microbiology lab for re-examination. This is the first test death due to the disease in Meerut.Also Read – Strawberry Legs Home Remedies: Simple and Effective Natural Ways to Get Rid of Strawberry Legs – Watch Video
What is scrub typhus?
Scrub typhus is spread to people through the bites of infected chiggers (larva mites). Scrub typhus is a bacterial infection that is potentially fatal. It is caused by rickettsiae bacteria, which are commonly found in mites present in grasses and shrubs. Also Read – Swimming for Weight Loss: How Many Calories Do You Really Burn While Swimming?
Symptoms of scrub typhus
Symptoms of infection are similar to those of chikungunya, including headache, fever, and a red rash on the skin. Within 5-12 days of infection, a person may experience loss of appetite, headache and fever. Fever usually lasts for seven to 12 days. In extreme cases a person may experience muscle pain, cough, gastrointestinal symptoms, enlargement of the liver and spleen, and even meningitis. Also Read – Breastfeeding Tips for New Moms: Top 8 Dos and Don’ts for Moms
Red spots, usually two to five-millimeters long, appear all over the body within four to six days of infection.
People should stay away from places with lots of grass and bushes.
Treatment of scrub typhus
According to a Times of India report, anyone can take doxycycline as it shows results within 24-48 hours. Pregnant women can take Azithromycin. However, there is no vaccine against scrub typhus yet.
Experts say early diagnosis is important as a one-week course of antibiotics can help patients recover faster.
Protection against scrub typhus:
- Avoid touching infected chiggers to reduce your risk of contracting scrub typhus.
- If you’re combining bug repellent and sunscreen, apply sunscreen first.
- Use Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-approved insect repellents that contain DEET or other active chemicals approved for use against chiggers on exposed skin and clothing.
- Avoid densely vegetated and bushy areas where chiggers may be encountered when traveling to areas where scrub typhus is common.
- Cover your baby’s arms and legs with clothing, or use mosquito nets to cover cribs, strollers, and infant carriers.
Watch this space for more news on scrub typhus
