Scrub Typhus surge in Andhra Pradesh raises alert for Telangana residents

Scrub Typhus cases are surging in Andhra Pradesh, mostly affecting farmers. Telangana, an endemic region, is at risk. The painless mite-borne disease mimics dengue, typhoid, or malaria. Early diagnosis and precautions such as protective clothing and hygiene are essential.

Hyderabad: The surge in Scrub Typhus infections, caused by bacteria Orientia tsutsugamushi through the bite of mites, in Andhra Pradesh, should be a cause of concern for people in Telangana, a region which is traditionally endemic to the disease.

In the last month or so, close to 1346 individuals, mostly from an agricultural background in Andhra Pradesh, tested positiv,e out of which 2 suspected deaths were also reported.

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While Telangana is no stranger to Scrub Typhus, since such cases frequently get reported, at present, in the last month or so, there have been no instances of a major surge in such cases, which has been the case in the neighbouring Telugu State.

The majority of the patients falling sick from Scrub Typhus are from an agricultural background. The disease-causing bacteria are transmitted through the bite of mites that are abundant in agricultural fields, farmlands and grasslands.

The disease might be transmitted among individuals who spend a lot of their time gardening. The bite of the mite is painless, which makes it difficult for humans to detect.

“The single most critical problem with Scrub Typhus is the risk of misdiagnosis because all its symptoms overlap with other diseases. It is often called a disease of Acute Undifferentiated Fever (AUF), because initial symptoms are non-specific and identical to common tropical diseases,” says senior immunologist, Dr Vyakaranam Nageshwar.

Symptoms of Scrub Typhus mirror the symptoms of typhoid, dengue, malaria and viral fever. There are rapid diagnostic kits that can make an accurate diagnosis in an hour. However, none of them are accessible in primary and secondary health care facilities in districts, where such cases are most likely to occur, doctors here said.

Senior general practitioners in Hyderabad said that the area near the bite mark of the mite becomes a scab-like dark lesion, which is the single most diagnostic sign for Scrub Typhus.

“The ailment can be treated if diagnosis is done at the right time. People living in farmhouses that are in the vicinity of agricultural fields are prone to such ailments. It can be treated if it is identified quickly,” he said.

Take Precautions:

Avoid wearing shorts/ t-shirts and wear full pants in gardens

There is no pain after being bitten by a mite

Wash your hands and legs with soap and water from soles to knees and from fingers to elbows after work outdoors

Don’t sit or lie down on grass or bushes

Use an herbal-based insect repellent

Games or outdoor recreation activities near bushes, grasses and plants can be avoided