Scrub Typhus infection confirmed in 246 individuals in Chitwan

Chitwan, Oct 20: A total of 246 individuals undergoing treatment at various hospitals in the district have tested positive for scrub typhus infection. Out of 4,108 individuals who sought medical care at local hospitals, this number was confirmed. 

Ram KC, the kit controller at the Chitwan Public Health Office, reported that 181 of those infected are residents of Chitwan, while 65 are from outside the district. 

Notably, 25 cases have been recorded in Bharatpur Metropolitan City alone. In Khairahani Municipality, 43 cases of scrub typhus have been reported, along with 4 in Madi Municipality, 61 in Ratnanagar Municipality, 20 in Rapti Municipality, 23 in Kalika Municipality, and 5 in Ichhakamana Rural Municipality. 

Scrub typhus is transmitted to humans through bites from infected mites that reside on the ears of mice or other animals. Symptoms of scrub typhus may include high fever, red eyes, cough, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, breathing difficulties, severe headaches, joint and muscle pain, rashes, and occasionally, black spot-like lesions at the bite site. 

To mitigate the risk of infection, KC recommends wearing long-sleeved clothing and suitable footwear when entering fields, shrubs, or forested areas, applying insect repellent to exposed skin, managing grass growth around home gardens, maintaining cleanliness in the environment, and properly storing grains to deter mice. (RSS)