Scrub Typhus Claims Second Life in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
38-year-old Woman Succumbs to the Infectious Disease; Second Death within Three Days
Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala – In a tragic turn of events, a 38-year-old woman has lost her life to scrub typhus, an infectious disease caused by Orientia tsutsugamushi. This unfortunate incident marks the second death from the disease in the last three days, raising concerns about its spread and prevention measures.
The patient, identified as Subitha, was admitted to a government medical college hospital in Thiruvananthapuram on June 10. Despite medical efforts, her condition deteriorated rapidly, leading to her demise early this morning. Hospital authorities report that no similar cases have been observed thus far.
What is Scrub Typhus?
Scrub typhus is an infectious disease transmitted by chigger mites, the larval stage of mites. These mites acquire the bacteria from animals like rats, squirrels, and rabbits and then pass it on to humans through their bites. The disease, also known as ‘Bush typhus’ or bacterial fever, is caused by the bacterium Orientia tsutsugamushi.
Recognizing the Symptoms
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), symptoms of scrub typhus resemble those of a viral fever. Common signs include fever, chills, headache, body aches, rashes, and muscle soreness. However, the disease can progress rapidly, leading to more severe symptoms such as mental disorientation, joint pains, respiratory distress, inflammation in the brain and lungs, renal failure, or multi-organ failure, which may ultimately result in death.
Treatment and Prevention
As per the CDC, scrub typhus should be treated promptly with the antibiotic doxycycline. Administration of antibiotics soon after symptoms appear is crucial for effective treatment and a quick recovery. It is important to note that currently, no vaccine is available for scrub typhus.
To prevent the disease, individuals should take precautions to avoid getting bitten by mosquitoes and chiggers. When traveling to areas where scrub typhus is common, it is advisable to steer clear of locations with dense vegetation and brush, as these are habitats for chiggers.
Spreading Awareness for a Safer Future
The recent deaths in Thiruvananthapuram highlight the importance of spreading awareness about scrub typhus. It is crucial for communities to understand the symptoms, seek prompt medical attention, and take preventive measures to reduce the risk of infection. By educating the public and promoting hygiene practices, we can work together to mitigate the impact of scrub typhus.
