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This is an
infection caused by the bacterium Rickettsia tsutsugamushi
that is transmitted to humans by mites. This disease
is found in Southeast Asia, the Western Pacific, and
Australia.
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One to
three weeks after mite bite, the following symptoms may
occur:
- Black eschar (scab) at the bite site
- Lymph glands near the eschar become enlarged
- Severe headache
- Backache
- Chills
- Malaise
- Fever
- Rash
- Two to three weeks after mite bite the following symptoms may occur:
- Confusion and other mental changes
- Abdominal pain
- Cough
- Chest pain
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- Blood obtained during the first few days of the illness may allow isolation of the Rickettsia bacterium. However, this may be difficult to obtain, as a diagnosis may not be established at the early stage of the disease.
- Fluorescein-labeled antirickettsial
assay involves the use of a specific glowing dye to mark and
detect the organism.
- PCR (polymerase chain reaction) reveals the genetic structure of the organism.
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- The medication Doxycycline may be prescribed
- Chloramphenicol is an alternative medication
- Azithromycin is prescribed for pregnant women and children
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You need immediate medical treatment. Left untreated, even if the individual may feel better initially and the temperature decreases, the death rate is usually around 10 to 30 percent.
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- Insect repellents may be used on the skin and clothes.
- Taking Doxycycline may prevent the disease if traveling to endemic areas.
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