Monsoon season with joy brings a variety of illnesses. Recently, a bacterial infection named Scrub Typhus has claimed five lives and over 700 people have tested positive for the bacterial infection in Shimla’s Solan, according to a news report.

Four out of five casualties have been women according to doctors at Indira Gandhi Medical College (IMGC). A 65-year-old woman from Solan died on Thursday was confirmed by senior medical superintendent Dr Rahul Rao. The patient was admitted to the hospital two days ago in the ICU (Intensive Care Unit).

Deadly

The report says hundreds of individuals sought treatment on Thursday, complaining of shaking and fever. 15 of the 30 samples that were submitted for testing produced positive results.

Till now the hospital has conducted a total of 773 scrub tests, with 207 patients testing positive for this vector-borne disease.

Scrub Typhus

Scrub Typhus is a deadly bacterial infection also known as bush typhus or tsutsugamushi disease which spreads through the bite of larval mites which are majorly found in bushes, grass or in the bodies of some animals. According to HealthSite.com , the highest chance of spreading is through outdoor activities, and spending time in gardens or forest areas.

Signs and symptoms

According to an article, the incubation period of scrub typhus is about 10 days. The signs and symptoms could be seen after 10 days. Because it can induce organ failure, this disease can be fatal if not detected and treated promptly.

Major signs:

  • Headache
  • High fever
  • Muscle pain
  • Dry cough
  • Enlarged lymph node
  • Confusion
  • A dark, scab-like region at the site of the bite
  • Rash or red spots on the body

Precautions you must take

  • When working with animals, use caution and be careful when you are handling pets or animals
  • More importantly maintain proper personal hygiene
  • Wear full-sleeved clothing when going near forested areas
  • Make sure the house is free of rodents
  • Avoiding travel to regions where typhus has occurred

A total number of 5,218 samples of scrub typhus have been tested in the state so far, with 723 returning positive results said National Health Mission director Sudesh Mokta according to a report.

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