Why do I have a fever and rash after traveling?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 37-year-old environmental scientist who recently spent three weeks conducting research. A few days after returning home, I developed a fever, chills, and body aches.

Yesterday, I noticed a small sore with a dark center on my arm and started feeling increasingly weak. I have also developed a red, patchy rash on my chest and back.

Could this be scrub typhus or another infection related to my trip?
What should I do next, and is this something serious?

Kindly help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

Your symptoms and recent travel history are highly suggestive of Scrub Typhus. You should not ignore it, as it can be very serious. If left untreated, scrub typhus can lead to multi-organ failure, meningitis, pneumonia, myocarditis, encephalitis, or even death.

Start Doxycycline 100 milligrams twice daily immediately (or Azithromycin 500 milligrams once daily if Doxycycline is not available, or if you are pregnant or allergic) for seven to ten days.

Do not wait for test results, as your symptoms are enough to strongly suggest scrub typhus. Even if it is not scrub typhus, Doxycycline is unlikely to cause harm, but if it is scrub typhus, then early treatment can help prevent complications.

You should do these tests:

Scrub Typhus immunoglobulin M (IgM) enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) or polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to confirm the diagnosis.
Complete blood count (CBC): may show low platelets.
Liver function test (LFT): Liver enzymes can be elevated.
C-reactive protein (CRP) and serum Procalcitonin: to assess severity.

If you experience:

Confusion.
Severe breathing difficulty.
Jaundice.
Persistent high fever despite antibiotics.

Go to a hospital immediately. Other possibilities can include:

Dengue fever.
Leptospirosis.
Typhoid fever.

Start treatment, stay hydrated, eat healthy, balanced meals, and get rest.

I hope I could answer your query. You can consult me at iCliniq.

Thank you.