Are there long-term effects if scrub typhus is left untreated?

Question

Hello doctor,

My younger brother is 23 years old. He has had a fever for almost seven days. This fever just does not go down. He also had chills, body pain, and something like a rash on his chest and back that started two days ago. He spends a lot of time outdoors, and scrub typhus is really spreading fast here. I heard it is common in areas with lots of vegetation and rodents. His doctor prescribed antibiotics but no tests were done, and he is still not improving much. Should we ask for specific tests or a second opinion? Are there long-term effects if this is scrub typhus and it is left untreated for too long?

Please help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

Scrub typhus is mainly transmitted by the bite of infected larval mites.

Hence to control the further spread,

Removal of vegetation where mice and rats live is required.
Personal protection is done by washing soiled clothes and blankets with benzyl benzoate.
Usage of mite repellent. For example Diethyltoluamide.

Currently, there is no vaccine available; hence, the above-mentioned preventive measures can control the spread.

Also, scrub typhus is a notifiable disease in some states; hence, hospital authorities must notify the concerned health department of the area.

Regarding the patient, close monitoring is required, and in case of any episodes of breathlessness or unconsciousness, kindly shift the patient to a higher center where life support facilities are available. Doxycycline or Tetracycline is generally used for the treatment of scrub typhus.

Scrub typhus has a typical black-colored cesar which is scab-like at the bite site. Physicians will look for this. Confirmation of the diagnosis is important, along with looking for improvement in the symptoms due to antibiotics.

Investigations to be done: complete blood count and platelet count.

Differential diagnosis: Dengue, Rickettsial infection.

Treatment plan: Paracetamol for fever.

I hope this has helped you.

Please feel free to reach me again in case of further queries.

Thank you.