Scrub Typhus Claims Four Lives in Chitwan

The Health Office in Chitwan has reported four deaths attributed to scrub typhus in the current fiscal year, with one fatality recorded within the district and three from outside the district. According to Vector Control Inspector Ram KC, there have been 163 confirmed cases of scrub typhus out of 3,254 tests conducted so far in the current fiscal year.

Of the confirmed cases, four individuals succumbed to the disease caused by the Orientia tsutsugamushi bacteria. Among the infected, 88 cases were reported within Chitwan, while the remaining cases originated from other districts. In comparison, the last fiscal year witnessed 519 cases of scrub typhus among individuals who sought treatment at district-based hospitals.

Scrub typhus is not directly transmitted to humans but infects mites found in vegetation. These infected mites, primarily cigar mites, can transmit the bacteria to other animals and humans. Symptoms of scrub typhus include severe fever, reddish eyes, coughing, vomiting, stomach pain, loose bowels, breathing difficulties, joint and muscle pain, skin rashes, and sometimes the appearance of a black post at the site of the bite.

In addition to scrub typhus, Chitwan is grappling with an increase in dengue cases. Since July 17, the district has reported 1,615 cases following 21,298 tests conducted. One death has been reported due to dengue, and it occurred outside Chitwan.

Health authorities are urging the public to take preventive measures and seek prompt medical attention if they experience symptoms related to scrub typhus or dengue. The Health Office is also working on vector control initiatives to mitigate the spread of these vector-borne diseases in the region.