Scrub typhus cases rise in Hyderabad. Here are its causes, symptoms, prevention tips and treatment

Alongside dengue and flu cases, Hyderabad has now been burdened with an increase in scrub typhus cases which is typically seen in rural areas but is now also present in urban areas, putting immunocompromised individuals, children, and the elderly at risk, as per the city doctors. In the most critical instances, scrub typhus can lead to organ failure and bleeding, potentially resulting in a fatal outcome if swift treatment is not administered.” Dr Subrata Das, Senior Consultant - Internal Medicine and Diabetology at Sakra World Hospital in Bengaluru, also cautioned, “Serious signs of this condition may include fever, rashes in the palm and shoulders, vomiting, loose motion, chills, headache, body aches and the development of a distinctive lesion that resembles a scab at the location of the chigger bite. Scrub typhus can cause organ failure and hemorrhage in extreme cases, which, if untreated, can be fatal.” Treatment and prevention tips: Dr Kritu Bandhari, MD in Dermatology and Cosmetology, pointed out that most cases of scrub typhus occur in rural areas of Southeast Asia, Indonesia, China, Japan, India and northern Australia hence, anyone living in or travelling to areas where scrub typhus is found could get infected. When travelling to areas where scrub typhus is common, avoid areas with lots of vegetation and brush where chiggers may be found.” Asserting that to get better, you need to see a doctor as soon as possible, Dr Yojana Pokarna opined that they will usually give you antibiotics, like doxycycline or azithromycin but in bad cases, you may need to go to the hospital and get extra care. Dr Nidhi Kamat added, “To prevent scrub typhus: avoid bushy areas, wear full-body protection, and use DEET insect repellent.