Scrub typhus: A review of current understanding and future directions

Due to occupations and environment like people’s working in fields, tunnels or rural areas with dense vegetation are at the higher risk Scrub typhus is an infectious disease caused by a bacterium called Orientia tsutsugamushi. People get it when they are bitten by tiny infected mite larvae, known as chiggers. The disease is common in many parts of Asia and the western Pacific, and it is now being reported from newer areas too. Scrub typhus is often missed or diagnosed late because its symptoms—such as fever, headache, body aches, and sometimes a black scab at the bite site are similar to those of many other illnesses. The bacteria mainly survive in mites by being passed from one stage of the mite’s life to another and from mother mites to their eggs. It does not spread from one person to another. Most cases can be treated easily with antibiotics like doxycycline if diagnosed early. However, if treatment is delayed, the infection can become severe and lead to serious complications. Doxycycline is the most used medicine and is given for about 7–10 days. It works very well in most patients. If doxycycline cannot be used (such as in pregnant women or young children), azithromycin is a safe and effective alternative. In severe cases or when tablets cannot be taken, antibiotics may be given through a vein in the hospital. Early treatment leads to complete recovery, but delay in treatment can cause serious complications. There is no vaccine, so early diagnosis and prompt antibiotics are the key to saving lives