53 scrub typhus cases in Chitwan

Chitwan, August 9

As many as 53 persons have contracted scrub typhus, a disease spread when the louse that lives on wild mice and other creatures bites a human, in Chitwan, in the past one month.

The disease was first diagnosed after patients from Chitwan and other nearby districts were tested at Chitwan Medical College.

According to sources at District Public Health Office, the disease was diagnosed in 33 patients from Chitwan. While nine persons from Nawalparasi and two persons from Parsa had 9  contracted the disease, Bara, Baglung, Kapilvastu and Tanahun each had one person infected with the disease. Five other patients, whose addresses are yet to be confirmed, were also diagnosed with the disease.

Of the persons contracting the disease, some have already returned home following treatment, while others are on medication.

According to DPHO chief Madhusudan Koirala, the disease is caused by a virus named Tstutsugamusihi.

“Once such louse bites a man, they transmit the virus to him,” he said, adding the disease is mostly seen among people living nearby forest and in poorly built houses.

Regarding the general symptoms, doctors said patients contracting the disease start experiencing symptoms including fever, body ache, nausea and rashes on the skin five days after the virus enters the patient’s body.

Chitwan Medical College Physician Dr Dayaram Lamsal suggested that people maintain personal hygiene in order to prevent the disease. “Otherwise a disease appearing occasionally, its rapid spread now might have to do with the monsoon,” he said, adding anyone suffering from the disease can be cured following a short course of medication.

He further cautioned against neglecting to treat the disease. “The disease is not a serious one, but if not treated in time, it damages the veins and lungs of the patient and could even cause his/her death ultimately,” said Dr Lamsal, suggesting that anyone having fever for three days or more should opt for a check-up.