Shimla: Two patients have died of scrub typhus at Shimla’s Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC). One of them is a 17-year-old from Mandi and the other is a 25-year-old from Kullu. The patients were admitted to the hospital several days ago but died on Tuesday due to deterioration in their health. With this, the total number of scrub typhus deaths at IGMC has gone up to four. Two of them were earlier an elderly man from Mandi and a resident of Panthaghati in Shimla.
Senior Medical Superintendent Dr Rahul Rao confirmed the deaths and highlighted the growing concern over scrub typhus in the region. Medical professionals have urged people to remain vigilant, as early detection and prompt treatment are important in managing the disease.
What is Scrub Typhus?
Scrub typhus is a disease caused by a bacteria called Orientia tsutsugamushi, which is spread by the bite of infected chiggers (larval mites). It is most common in areas with dense vegetation, especially in rural areas where grass and weeds are abundant.
Symptoms and warning signs
The early symptoms of scrub typhus often resemble those of common viral infections, making it difficult to diagnose without a medical examination. However, doctors at IGMC have outlined the main symptoms to look out for:
- High fever
- Severe joint pain and stiffness in the body
- Body aches
- Infection in the neck
- Swollen lymph nodes, especially lumps under the arms
If someone experiences these symptoms, especially after spending time in areas with dense vegetation, they are advised to consult a doctor immediately.
Read More |Â Scrub typhus cases rise again in Shimla: Four patients admitted to IGMC
Preventive measures
Although there is no vaccine for scrub typhus, taking preventive measures can reduce the risk of infection to a great extent. It is important to maintain cleanliness in and around the living space. The following preventive measures are recommended:
- Personal hygiene: Regular bathing and washing clothes reduces the risk of exposure to the mites.
- Environmental hygiene: It is essential to keep the surrounding area free from weeds, grass and overgrown vegetation.
- Use of insect repellent: Applying insect repellent on exposed skin can provide protection from mite bites.
- Proper disposal of waste: Ensuring that garbage and organic waste are properly managed can help reduce the habitat of the mites.
Doctors emphasise that timely detection is crucial for survival, as untreated scrub typhus can lead to severe complications, including organ failure and death. With a rise in cases in Himachal Pradesh, especially in areas like Mandi, Kullu and Shimla, the health department is urging people to be proactive about their health and hygiene.
Continuing the achievement of the journey of effectiveness and credibility of more than 10 years in the career of journalism, as a woman journalist, I am Serving as the founder, promoter and editor of DiaryTimes with the trust and support of all. My credible coverage may not have given a big shape to the numbers, but my journey presents articles that make you aware of the exact and meaningful situations of Himachal’s politics, ground issues related to the public, business, tourism and the difficult geographical conditions of the state and financial awareness. DiaryTimes, full of the experience of my precise editorial expertise, is awakening the flame of credible journalism among all of you, so that the eternal flame of meaningful change can be lit in the life of the people of the state and the atrocities being committed against the people can be brought to the fore, I am motivated for that. If even a small change comes with the power of my journalism and the whole world becomes a witness to that issues, then I will consider myself fortunate.
