Scrub Typhus Warning: Key Symptoms and Treatment Options

Scrub typhus is an infection that spreads to humans when they are bitten by the larval stage of certain mites(Chigger). 

These mites are often found in areas with shrub vegetation, tall grass, forests, and damp soil. The disease is also commonly called bush typhus.

Even though scrub typhus can be cured effectively with antibiotics, waiting too long to diagnose it can lead to serious complications. When treatment is delayed, the bacteria may begin to attack organs in the body.

The cause of scrub typhus is a bacterium named Orientia tsutsugamushi. People who get this infection often develop symptoms such as fever, chills, headache, muscle pain and fatigue. 

There may also be a scab- sore at the spot where the chigger bit. This is known as an eschar. Other signs include changes in state, swollen lymph nodes and a rash.

Common symptoms include headache, chills, muscle aches, body aches, extreme tiredness, coughing, nausea or vomiting stomach pain, swollen lymph nodes and skin rashes.

There is no vaccine to prevent scrub typhus. The best way to avoid getting sick is to avoid contact with chiggers. If you are traveling to regions where scrub typhuss common try to stay away from dense vegetation, brush and grassy areas where these tiny mites live.

Treatment, for scrub typhus involves using the doxycycline. This medicine works well for people of all ages.

The sooner someone starts taking doxycycline after symptoms appear, the the outcome. Most patients who receive early treatment recover quickly and fully.