What is the treatment for scrub typhus?

Question

Hello doctor,

My father is 58 years old and has been diagnosed with scrub typhus after working on our farm last week. His fever would not come down below 103°F even with Paracetamol, and the black scab on his neck is getting bigger. He is so confused and agitated. He noticed these red rashes spreading all over his lymph nodes were huge and painful. His latest tests show low platelets of 80,000 per microliter and elevated liver enzymes. Should we shift him to a bigger hospital in the city?

Thanks.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I can understand your concern.

If symptoms are severe, then you should definitely shift him to the hospital, where they will do testing. There are tests available for scrub typhus, which include PCR (polymerase chain reaction) or IgG for scrub typhus. So once you get to know it is scrub typhus, then Doxycycline 100 mg is given for five days, and everything will be fine. So I would recommend you to do a test once. If you are not able to do a blood test, then you can also go for a rapid diagnostic test for scrub typhus. It is easy and convenient, and the results will be there in 10 minutes. Then, Doxycycline can be given. Please shift him to the hospital for better treatment. If there is anything else please let me know.

I hope this information will help you.

Thanks.