Rising Scrub Typhus Cases in AP: High-Risk Districts and Safety Measures

Scrub Typhus Surge in Andhra Pradesh: Symptoms, Risks and Prevention

Andhra Pradesh is experiencing a concerning rise in scrub typhus cases, with health officials urging early diagnosis to prevent complications. Several districts, particularly Chittoor, Kakinada and Visakhapatnam, have reported notable increases, prompting intensified surveillance and public awareness initiatives.

What Scrub Typhus Is and How It Spreads

Scrub typhus is a bacterial infection caused by Orientia tsutsugamushi , transmitted through the bite of infected chiggers — the larval form of mites. These larvae thrive in dense vegetation, grassy patches, agricultural fields and areas with poor waste management. Individuals working outdoors, including farmers and labourers, as well as children playing near overgrown surroundings, face the highest exposure risk. Symptoms typically manifest within 6–21 days of a bite.

Rising Case Load Across Key Districts

Recent health data shows sharp increases across multiple regions: around 379 cases in Chittoor, 141 in Kakinada and 123 in Visakhapatnam . Experts warn that the real burden may be larger due to frequent misdiagnosis as dengue, malaria or common viral fever. Delayed recognition often leads to worsening symptoms and complications affecting major organs.

Why Early Detection Matters

Typical symptoms include high fever, chills, headache, body pain and enlarged lymph nodes. A distinct eschar — a dark scab-like sore — may appear at the bite site but is not present in all patients. Early antibiotic treatment with doxycycline, or azithromycin for pregnant women, ensures excellent recovery outcomes. However, untreated scrub typhus can result in multi-organ failure, raising mortality rates significantly.

Exam Oriented Facts

• Caused by Orientia tsutsugamushi spread through chigger bites.

• Incubation period: 6–21 days .

• High-burden districts: Chittoor, Kakinada, Visakhapatnam .

• Eschar is a classic but not universal diagnostic sign.

Prevention and Public Health Measures

Authorities recommend wearing protective footwear and clothing, avoiding dense undergrowth, applying repellents containing DEET or permethrin, and maintaining clean surroundings. Immediate medical attention is advised for prolonged fever or skin lesions, ensuring timely treatment and reduced complications.