Scrub typhus cases rise again in Shimla: Four patients admitted to IGMC

Four new cases of scrub typhus have been reported at the Indira Gandhi Medical College and Hospital (IGMC) in Shimla, indicating the return of the seasonal disease. One patient is from New Shimla, while the others are from nearby areas. Three women and a man have been admitted to the male and female wards of the hospital. As the cases are being reported again, concerns are growing about public health, as scrub typhus, often associated with grass-cutting activities, is becoming a recurring threat in the region.

The OPD of the IGMC receives hundreds of patients daily, of which over 100 patients visited the medicine department on Monday alone. Many patients from Kumarsain, Kotkhai, Jubbal, Karsog and Solan showed symptoms like fever and chills. However, most were given initial treatment and sent home after negative test results.

Scrub typhus cases on the rise in Shimla

According to Dr Ushendra Sharma, assistant professor of medicine at IGMC, scrub typhus is caused by the bite of mites found in grass. The number of cases has increased as grass-cutting activities have resumed. Symptoms of the disease usually appear only a few days after infection. Dr Sharma warns that people with kidney disease or breathing problems should be particularly careful, as ignoring early symptoms like abdominal pain and loss of appetite can lead to serious complications.

So far this year, 52 cases of scrub typhus have been reported at IGMC, of ​​which 580 samples were tested at the hospital lab. Unfortunately, two patients—a 59-year-old from Mandi and a 91-year-old from Panthaghati in Shimla—have succumbed to the disease.

Understanding Scrub Typhus and its Symptoms
Scrub typhus is an infectious disease caused by Orientia tsutsugamushi, which is spread by the bite of chigger mites, commonly found in grassy or bushy areas. The disease is prevalent in rural areas and often flares up during agricultural activities such as grass cutting, especially in hilly areas such as Shimla.

Common symptoms of scrub typhus include:

1. High fever between 104°F to 105°F
2. Severe joint pains and body aches
3. Chills and shivering
4. Swollen lymph nodes, especially below the neck, arms and hips

Preventive measures against scrub typhus

Given the frequent threat of scrub typhus, preventive measures are important for residents, especially those living near grassy areas. Dr. Sharma recommends taking the following steps to prevent the spread of the disease:

1. Personal hygiene: Maintaining body cleanliness can prevent mite bites. Wash hands, feet and exposed areas after going outside, especially in grassy areas.
2. Environmental hygiene: Regularly clear grass, weeds and bushes around homes. Keeping the surroundings clean and free of overgrowth helps eliminate mite habitats.
3. Use of insect repellent: Apply insect repellent, preferably containing DEET, to exposed skin when outdoors. This can prevent mite bites.
4. Wear protective clothing: Long-sleeved shirts, long pants and socks should be worn to reduce skin contact when working in grassy areas.
5. Insecticide spraying: Regularly spray insecticides around homes and grassy areas to reduce the number of mites.
6. Monitor pets: Pets can carry mites into homes. Keeping pets clean and checking them regularly for signs of mite bites can reduce the risk of infection.

With the increasing number of scrub typhus cases in Shimla, residents must remain vigilant and adopt preventive measures to reduce the risk of contracting this serious disease. Public awareness campaigns and individual efforts to maintain hygiene and environmental cleanliness are essential to control the spread. Early diagnosis and treatment are important, especially for vulnerable populations such as the elderly and people with pre-existing diseases.