A mysterious fever is affecting kids in India: What is it all about?

It has been more than a month now that a mysterious fever has been affecting people from Uttar Pradesh. According to official count, more than 100 deaths have occurred due to this dengue-like fever and many of them are children. The districts in UP most affected by this condition include Mathura, Agra and Firozabad. Initially, 14 people had been killed by this fever, out of whom 12 were children. Samples collected by medical teams from affected people have revealed that this new found infection is scrub typhus. Apart from India, rural areas of Indonesia, China, Japan and northern Australia, have also witnessed cases of scrub typhus. 

What is scrub typhus? 
Also known as bush typhus, scrub typhus is an infection caused by a bacteria called Orientia tsutsugamushi. It spreads when infected chiggers (larval mites) bite someone. 

Symptoms to watch out for 
Scrub typhus manifests in a way similar to any other vector-borne diseases. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the symptoms start showing within 10 days of being bitten by larval mites. Fever and chills, headache, body aches, rashes and muscle pain are the common signs. The condition can also lead to chikungunya-like symptoms like joint pain as well as respiratory trouble. In severe cases, patients of this bacterial infection may also experience inflammation of the brain and the lungs, kidney and multi-organ failure, confusion and coma. The site where one gets the chigger bite leads to the growth of a dark, scab-like region. This is also known as eschar.  

Vaccine for scrub typhus 
Currently, there is no vaccine for scrub typhus, according to the CDC. However, one can reduce the risk of this disease by avoiding contact with an infected person. Chiggers are commonly found in areas with lots of vegetation and brush. Avoiding those regions in places where this infection is common is also advised. Also, full sleeve tops and full-length trousers as well mosquito nets can keep kids and adults safe from chigger bites.    

How to treat the infection? 
According to CDC, the line of treatment includes oral medication with antibiotic doxycycline. Timely intervention leads to quick recovery.