How to manage symptoms similar to scrub typhus?

Question

Hello doctor,

My cousin has just returned from a camping trip and is sick. He has had a high fever for the past five days, bad body aches, and a strange rash on his back. We also noticed a black sore on his leg, which looked like a tick bite.

He went to a doctor, and they gave him Paracetamol, but no real answer on what it was. We read about scrub typhus online, and it sounds exactly like what he has. How do they even test for this? And why would they not start antibiotics if it is a bacterial thing? He is super weak, barely eating, and keeps saying he feels dizzy when he stands.

Does this get worse fast?
Should we push for hospitalization, or can it be treated at home?
Is this contagious to other family members?

Kindly help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

Scrub typhus symptoms may vary from person to person. Mild symptoms to severe septicemia with multi-organ dysfunction.

I suggest the following tests:

Immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibody of scrub typhus.
Complete blood picture (CBP).
Liver function tests (LFT).
C-reactive protein (CRP).
Renal function test (RFT).
Electrolytes.
Polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

I do not know the exact reason for not starting antibiotics. Probably, they thought viral infections do not need antibiotics. If the patient is weak, then give him plenty of liquids and intravenous (IV) fluids if necessary. Scrub typhus is not contagious so do not worry. If you observe that the patient is not taking anything orally, has low blood pressure, or high temperature, decreased urine output, or low platelet count, or high color urine with jaundice, then he may need emergency admission.

The probable causes include: Viral fever or scarlet fever.

Kindly consult a specialist doctor, discuss with them, and take medications with their consent.

I hope this helps.