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I have scrub typhus – should I go to the hospital?

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Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I am a 57-year-old male who got scrub typhus after farming work and my cirrhosis made everything worse! Liver numbers are sky-high (ALT 1450) and ascites are getting worse fast. The black bite mark on the arm is superinfected with platelets only 22000. Varices started bleeding again on ammonia level 125. My fever stuck at 102.2 despite the cooling blanket - should I go to the hospital?
Answered by Dr. Georges Hany Kozah

Education:

MD

Professional Bio:

Dr. Georges Hany Kozah is an experienced Lebanese Gynecologist with an MD from The Lebanese University Faculty of Medical Sciences (2016) and a Fellowship completed in 2022. Specializing in high-risk obstetrics, advanced ultrasound, oncology, colposcopy, and hysteroscopy, he combines expertise with a patient-centered approach. Passionate about women’s health, Dr. Kozah strives for excellence and optimal outcomes in collaborative, innovative care.

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Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

Yes, you should go to the hospital immediately. Scrub typhus in combination with cirrhosis and complications like bleeding varices, high ammonia levels, and worsening ascites is life-threatening. The infection could be causing or worsening your liver dysfunction.

Here is why urgent care is necessary:

  1. Bleeding Varices: This can rapidly lead to shock.

  2. Infection Risk: The infected eschar (bite mark) and low platelets increase sepsis risk.

  3. Encephalopathy: High ammonia levels may worsen confusion or coma.

  4. Liver Failure: Elevated ALT and worsening ascites suggest significant stress on your liver.

Treatment will likely involve intravenous antibiotics (e.g., doxycycline), managing variceal bleeding, reducing ammonia levels, and close monitoring. Do not delay seeking emergency care

I hope this helps.

Thank you.

.

Medically reviewed by Dr. K. Shobana
Published At February 23, 2025
Reviewed At May 4, 2026

Education:

MD

Professional Bio:

Dr. Georges Hany Kozah is an experienced Lebanese Gynecologist with an MD from The Lebanese University Faculty of Medical Sciences (2016) and a Fellowship completed in 2022. Specializing in high-risk obstetrics, advanced ultrasound, oncology, colposcopy, and hysteroscopy, he combines expertise with a patient-centered approach. Passionate about women’s health, Dr. Kozah strives for excellence and optimal outcomes in collaborative, innovative care.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality

Education:

BDS

Professional Bio:

Dr. K. Shobana is a Dental Surgeon specializing in oral health and dental care. She is skilled in preventive dentistry and provides oral hygiene education. She can do restorative treatments such as fillings and crowns. She can handle periodontal problems such as gum diseases and periodontitis. She can do root canal treatment.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Georges Hany Kozah
Dr. Georges Hany Kozah

Obstetrics and Gynecology

Education:

MD

Professional Bio:

Dr. Georges Hany Kozah is an experienced Lebanese Gynecologist with an MD from The Lebanese University Faculty of Medical Sciences (2016) and a Fellowship completed in 2022. Specializing in high-risk obstetrics, advanced ultrasound, oncology, colposcopy, and hysteroscopy, he combines expertise with a patient-centered approach. Passionate about women’s health, Dr. Kozah strives for excellence and optimal outcomes in collaborative, innovative care.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality
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