Scrub Typhus Infection Specialist Doctor In Mumbai Scrub Typhus is a mite – borne infectious disease caused by Orientia tsutsugamushi and can be confused with a number of different infectious illnesses like malaria, dengue, leptospirosis and typhoid fever. This disease is widely prevalent in Korea, China, Taiwan, Japan, Pakistan, India, Thailand, Malaysia, and in the tropical regions of Australia. The disease typically occurs 7 to 10 days after the bite of an infected mite. It may begin with headache, loss of appetite, and malaise, or start abruptly with chills and fever. As the illness evolves, most patients develop symptoms like prolonged fever, intense generalized headache and diffuse muscle pain. The severity of infection can range from mild signs and symptoms to multiorgan failure and death. Elderly patients are more likely to have severe illness and complications compared with younger patients. Approximately one half of all patients develop rash over their body. The rash typically begins on the abdomen and spreads to the extremities. The face is also often involved. There is formation of a characteristic eschar with a black crust at the site of the infecting mite bite. The frequency of eschars in patients with scrub typhus is highly variable. They may be overlooked if a careful examination is not performed. In cases with delayed management, major organs of the body may affected with grave outcome. Severe infections may be complicated by pneumonia, heart failure, low blood pressure, confusion, and seizures. Death may occur as a result of these complications. Hence involvement of a specialist is important for early clinical diagnosis. Most patients with severe illness develop low platelets, deranged liver and kidney blood reports. Polymerase chain reaction ( PCR ) technology applied to the blood can establish the diagnosis, early in the course of infection. The indirect fluorescent antibody test remains the mainstay of serologic diagnosis. Patients treated with appropriate antibiotics typically start responding within 48 hours of starting therapy, if started early in the course of disease. The guidance of a specialist is a must to prevent this disease from takin an ominous turn. The drug of choice for treatment is doxycycline while azithromycin has been advocated as an alternative agent. At present no vaccine is available to prevent the transmission of scrub typhus. The use of insect repellants and miticides are highly effective for mite control when applied to both clothing and skin.