My uncle has fever and rash – should we be worried about scrub typhus?

Question

Hello doctor,

My uncle lives in a rural area and recently developed a fever, bad headaches, and a rash that looks strange. The local doctor said it might be scrub typhus from a mite bite. What exactly is scrub typhus? We have never heard of it before. How is it treated, and is it dangerous? He is not feeling well at all and has not been able to work for days. Do we need to take him to a larger hospital for better care?

Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

I have read your query and am sorry for such discomfort. Scrub typhus, also known as bush typhus, is a disease caused by bacteria called Orientia tsutsugamushi. Scrub typhus is spread to people through bites of infected chiggers (larval mites). The most common symptoms of scrub typhus include fever, headache, body aches, and rash.

It is treated with tablet Doxycycline. You should visit the nearest health care facility at the earliest for the treatment of it.

I hope this helps.

Kindly follow up if you have more concerns.

Thank you.