National
Over 50 cases of Scrub typhus found
More than 50 people cases of Scrub typhus, a bacterial disease caused by intracellular parasite Orientia tsutsugamushi, were reported in Chitwan in the last four months.More than 50 people cases of Scrub typhus, a bacterial disease caused by intracellular parasite Orientia tsutsugamushi, were reported in Chitwan in the last four months.
Dr Dayaram Lamsal at Chitwan Medical College said the disease—first identified in the 1930s in Japan—was not considered common in the country until recently.
The disease was found among people from Chitwan, Nawalparasi and other neighbouring districts.
The patients had reached various health facilities with the complaints of fever, headache and measles-like rash in the neck region, Dr Lamsal said.
Lab results of the samples collected from 163 patients showed that 53 had contracted Scrub typhus.
The disease is transmitted to humans and rodents by some species of mites. If not treated properly, it could affect the patients’ lungs and brains.
The disease could be cured if detected in time, Dr Lamsal said, urging everyone to see a doctor immediately if they have been suffering from the aforementioned symptoms.