33 test positive for scrub typhus, symptoms similar to chikungunya

NEW DELHI: Of the 150 tested for scrub typhus, a bacterial infection that causes symptoms very similar to chikungunya, 33 tested positive in the last two months at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS).

“As the symptoms of the disease are similar to that of chikungunya, which is circulating in the city this year, doctors do not suspect scrub typhus or any of the other rickettsial diseases (diseases caused by a group of microorganisms called rickettsiae) in fever patients,” said Dr Rama Chaudhary, professor of microbiology at AIIMS.

Chikungunya, a mosquito borne viral illness, has affected more than 2,600 in Delhi, according to official figures.

The symptoms of scrub typhus begin with high fever, skin rashes, respiratory problems, red eyes and unconsciousness. Some of the patients also develop joint pains, which is characteristic of chikungunya.

These symptoms may progress on to respiratory distress, pneumonitis (inflammation of lung tissue), encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), kidney failure and then multi-organ failure. If untreated, it can kill.

Two of the people, who came to AIIMS for treatment — a 16-yearold girl from Uttarakhand and 21-year-old man from Delhi — died due to the infection, according to a hospital official. “They came to the hospital in a very critical condition with organ failure and had to be put on ventilator immediately,” the source said.

Another reason why doctors may not suspect scrub typhus is that it is usually spread by mites, which are commonly found in hilly areas. But, it can also be spread by fleas, lice and tics.

A lot of precious treatment time is wasted because of this. “The samples were sent to the bacterial lab only after dengue and chikungunya had been ruled out. To get the test for chikungunya, a patient has to wait for at least six days, this means we get to test the sample more than a week after the symptoms appear,” said Dr Chaudhary.