Traveling in the forest, climbing mountains, be careful of typhus
Scrub typhus is a disease caused by a Rickettsial infection called Orientia tsutsugamushi. The vector of the disease is the larva of trombiculid mites called chiggers, which are smaller than 1 millimeter
Typhus is common in Thailand and other parts of Asia, but is more common in rural areas than in cities. People who are at risk include those who have had contact with the tick, which lives on grass or low bushes and often hops onto people’s bodies and clothing. Elderly people are at higher risk of developing severe disease than younger people.
Incubation period of scrub typhus
Symptoms usually begin to appear about 6-21 days after being bitten by a tick.
Symptoms and signs of scrub typhus
The area of the bite may develop a rash, which is similar to a cigarette burn or what is call Eschar. It usually starts out red, then becomes a flat or raised rash and spreads more widely. It is usually not painful or itchy, so it is not noticed. Many times the rash is hidden under clothing, such as in the groin, waist, chest or armpits.
Patients often have fever, chills, cough, muscle aches, extreme fatigue, or even weakness. Swollen lymph nodes, nausea, and vomiting may occur, and the heart rate may be slow compared to the high fever.
If severe and not properly diagnosed, it can cause dangerous complications, including pneumonia, central nervous system infections such as encephalitis, and in some cases, loss of function in multiple organs leading to death.
Diagnosis of scrub typhus
Doctors can diagnose ยูฟ่าเบท https://ufabet999.app the disease based on risk history, symptoms and signs, especially the characteristic rash. It can also be diagnosed from laboratory tests, such as patients with scrub typhus often have low platelets, increased kidney values, and increased bilirubin.
Specific diagnostics to support the diagnosis include immunological testing, PCR genetic diagnosis from blood and from biopsies near the area of the cigarette burn-like rash.
Treatment of scrub typhus
All patients with suspected or confirmed typhus disease should receive treatment, depending on the severity of the disease. The two main antibiotics that can be used for treatment are doxycycline () and azithromycin.
For those with mild to moderate symptoms, one drug use. For severe symptoms, both drugs may be needed together.
Prevention of scrub typhus
Prevent ticks from jumping onto your body or onto your clothes by wearing tight clothing and applying insect repellent. There is currently no specific vaccine and it is unlikely to be available in the near future as there are many subspecies.