Scrub typhus surge in Andhra Pradesh: symptoms, risks and prevention

Andhra Pradesh is witnessing a sharp rise in scrub typhus infections, with districts such as Chittoor, Kakinada and Visakhapatnam reporting hundreds of cases. Health authorities warn that misdiagnosis as viral fever or seasonal illness is contributing to delayed treatment and increasing complications.

What scrub typhus is and how it spreads

Scrub typhus is a bacterial illness caused by “Orientia tsutsugamushi”. It spreads through the bite of infected chiggers, the larval stage of mites commonly found in dense vegetation, paddy fields, bushes and waste-filled surroundings. Farmers, field workers, children playing outdoors and those living near overgrown areas are at higher risk. Symptoms usually appear within 6–21 days, most commonly around 10–12 days after exposure.

Rising cases and high-burden districts

Surveillance reports highlight a surge in cases across multiple districts. Chittoor has reported around 379 cases, Kakinada roughly 141 and Visakhapatnam about 123. Officials caution that actual numbers may be higher because many patients initially assume their illness is dengue, malaria or influenza. This delay in seeking appropriate care increases the likelihood of complications.

Why early detection is essential

Key symptoms include high fever, chills, severe headache, body aches and swollen lymph nodes. A notable indicator, though not present in all cases, is the eschar — a dark, scab-like mark at the bite site. Untreated infection can affect the liver, lungs, kidneys and central nervous system. Early antibiotic therapy with doxycycline, or azithromycin for pregnant women, keeps fatality rates below 2%, while delayed treatment can push mortality to between 6% and 30%.

Exam Oriented Facts

• Scrub typhus is caused by “Orientia tsutsugamushi” transmitted through chigger bites.
• Symptoms usually appear 6–21 days after exposure.
• High-burden districts include Chittoor, Kakinada and Visakhapatnam.
• Eschar is a characteristic but not universal sign of infection.

Factors driving the surge and prevention steps

Post-monsoon vegetation growth, poor waste management, working barefoot, low awareness of bite-site clues and slow recognition in frontline health centres have contributed to rising cases. Authorities advise wearing protective clothing, avoiding dense vegetation, using repellents with DEET or permethrin, maintaining clean surroundings and seeking prompt medical evaluation for persistent fever or skin lesions suggestive of a chigger bite.