Published by: Priyanka Deshpande
Scrub Typhus has allegedly claimed another life in Odisha taking the total death toll to 6. The latest fatality occurred in Sundergarh district, while 5 others were reported in Bargarh district, according to health officials on September 14.
Scrub typhus, also called bush typhus or mite typhus, is an acute infectious disease caused by the parasite "Orientia tsutsugamushi." It's transmitted to humans through specific trombiculid mites' bites.
The scrub typhus infection spreads when a chigger bites someone.
People who frequently visit farmlands or forests are vulnerable to the infection.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), states that symptoms typically appear about 10 days after an infected mite or chigger bite. The symptoms include…
Most common complications associated with the infection are hepatitis, thrombocytopenia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, acute kidney injury, meningitis and myocarditis.
Wear long-sleeved clothing and pants when venturing into areas with vegetation
Use insect repellents on exposed skin
Inspect and remove chiggers if found on clothing or skin