Patna, 18th October 2023: Already grappling with a significant dengue outbreak, Bihar now faces the additional challenge of rising scrub typhus cases. Following spikes in Maharashtra, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, and Odisha, the fever has marked its presence in Bihar, leading to several fatalities.
Diagnostic Dilemma
Healthcare professionals are finding it challenging to distinguish scrub typhus from viral fever, dengue, malaria, and chikungunya due to overlapping symptoms. Dr. Ravikirti, Head of the Department of Medicine at AIIMS Patna, and Dr. Ajay Kumar Sinha, Head of the Department of Medicine at NMCH, indicated that they see one or two scrub typhus patients every two to three months in emergency departments. Delayed or incorrect diagnosis can result in fatalities and complications like multi-organ dysfunction syndrome, including congestive heart failure and circulatory collapse.
Seasonal Factors
The disease’s carriers—tiny, red, spider-like fleas, or infected chiggers—tend to multiply during the rainy season, fueled by increased greenery.
Testing and Treatment
Many patients who showed symptoms of dengue have tested negative for the virus. In such instances, doctors have resorted to antibiotics like doxycycline, effective against scrub typhus as well.
Symptomatology
Symptoms of scrub typhus manifest within six to 20 days of being bitten by a disease-carrying flea. Patients may experience high fever with chills, head and muscle aches, mood swings, and local skin symptoms like crusting or rashes.
Preventative Measures Advised
- Residents are advised to avoid densely vegetated areas, known habitats for disease vectors.
- Bath and groom pets regularly, and restrict them from sleeping on beds.
- Environmental cleanliness should be maintained by clearing drains, garbage heaps, and overgrown areas, and spraying insecticides.
- Since the disease does not transmit from person to person, fogging can also be effective.
- Hot water washing of sheets and clothing, along with salt and vacuum cleaning of carpets, are recommended.
