What is the effective treatment for scrub typhus in a 10 year old?

Question

Hi doctor,

My neighbor’s son is 10 years old and has a condition called scrub typhus. He has a high fever and a rash, and the doctor mentioned something about a mite bite. Is it like dengue or malaria? How does this even happen? Is it serious and what is the best way to treat it? They gave him some antibiotics but the fever is not going down yet. Also, how can others in the area avoid this? Does it spread from person to person?

Please help me.

Thanks.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I can understand your concern.

It will be treated with Doxycycline antibiotics, and the fever usually lasts for 14 to 21 days.

To prevent scrub typhus, I suggest the following:

Avoid areas with lots of brush and vegetation where chiggers may be found.
Use an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) registered insect repellent that contains DEET (N, N-diethyl-meta-toluamide) or other active ingredients registered for use against chiggers. Apply it to exposed skin and clothing, and reapply as directed.
Wear long pants, socks, and a long-sleeved shirt.
Do not sit directly on the grass, and keep your clothes off the grass.
Clear brush and spray infested areas with insecticides to decrease or eliminate the mite population.

I hope this information helps you.

Feel free to ask further queries.

Thank you.