Thiruvananthapuram: Another person died in Kerala on Sunday of scrub typhus disease, also known locally as ‘chelu pani’, which brought the death toll to two. Subitha, 39, who had been suffering from the disease for the last 15 days and was undergoing treatment at Thiruvananthapuram Medical College Hospital, died on Sunday morning. Earlier on Thursday, 15-year-old Ashwati died of scrub typhus at Varkala in Thiruvananthapuram district. She was waiting for the results of her 10th standard board exam when she contracted the disease and died.Also read – Remember the past or revive the youth at these top 10 tourist destinations in India for older tourists
State Health Minister Veena George has directed a special medical team to visit the place where Ashwati was admitted. However, even after the state health department took precautionary measures, the second death has raised concerns among health workers and the department. Veena George said the state health department is monitoring the situation. Also read – Yeh barish ki bunden …! 6 best places to visit in South India this monsoon
Scrub typhus is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Orientia sutsugamushi, an insect. Scrub typhus is transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected chigger, the larval stage of the insect, which spreads the disease from rats, squirrels, rabbits, and dogs. Most cases of scrub typhus are found in rural areas of Southeast Asia, Indonesia, China, Japan, India and North Australia. Also read – Awala Pandi: Millions of reasons why tourists come to this beautiful Kerala village | Photos
According to the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), symptoms of scrub typhus usually begin within 10 days of the bite. The most common symptoms of scrub typhus include fever, headache, body aches and sometimes rashes. Other symptoms include chigger bites (also known as ester), mental changes, confusion ranging from coma and enlarged lymph nodes to dark, scab-like regions. People with a serious illness can develop organ failure and bleeding, which can be fatal if left untreated.
- The symptoms of scrub typhus are similar to those of many other diseases. If you notice any of the symptoms listed above after spending time with scrub typhus, see your healthcare provider.
- If you have traveled recently, tell your healthcare provider where and when you traveled.
- Your healthcare provider may order a blood test to check for scrub typhus or other diseases.
- It can take several weeks for laboratory tests and results to be reported, so your healthcare provider may begin treatment before the results become available.
- Scrub typhus should be treated with the antibiotic doxycycline. Doxycycline can be used by individuals of any age.
- Antibiotics are most effective if given immediately after the onset of symptoms.
- People who receive early treatment with doxycycline usually recover faster.
- There is no vaccine available to prevent scrub typhus.
- Reduce the risk of developing scrub typhus by avoiding contact with infected chiggers.
- When traveling to areas where scrub typhus is common, avoid lots of vegetation and brushed areas where chiggers can be found.
