Uttar Pradesh: After Zika virus, Scrub Typhus case surfaces in Unnao

KANPUR: After Zika virus, a person has been found to be infected by Scrub Typhus in Hasanganj area of Unnao district.
Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme IDSP nodal officer Dr VK Gupta confirmed about Scrub Typhus case reported from Gazaffar nagar in Hasanganj tehsil of Unnao on Wednesday. Dr Gupta told that the patient has been undergoing treatment at a hospital Lucknow.
“A health department team visited the pocket from where the patient hails on Thursday.Distribution of medicines, besides fogging exercise will be conducted there on Thursday,” said Dr Gupta further.
The man, a resident of Gazaffar Nagar of Hasanganj tehsil, complained of fever followed by headache since the past few days.
The family members admitted him to a hospital in Lucknow, where the doctors after intensive examination confirmed him to be in grip of Scrub Typhus. His report was received by chief medical officer Unnao on Wednesday evening.
Chief Medical Officer Dr Satyaprakash told media persons that a team from Hasanganj CHC has been sent to the village.
Dr VK Gupta further told that it is a vector borne disease. “It affects the central nervous system, cardiovascular system, kidneys, respiratory and gastrointestinal systems. In several cases, the patient may even die due to multi organ failure,” said Dr Gupta further.
He said that Scrub Typhus, also known as bush typhus, is a disease caused by a bacteria called Orientia tsutsugamushi commonly reported from rural pockets. “Scrub Typhus spread to people through bites of infected chiggers (larval mites). The most common symptoms of scrub typhus include fever, headache, body aches, and sometimes rash,” said Dr Gupta further and added, “No vaccine is available to prevent Scrub Typhus. It can be cured by antibiotics if given soon after symptoms begin.”