Dadeldhura, September 2 Until a few years ago, scrub typhus cases were found only in Tarai districts. However, scrub typhus has been diagnosed in hilly districts of Sudurpaschim Province of late as well. Out of 128 patients admitted in Dadeldhura Hospital, 27 were found to be infected with scrub typhus in the past 15 days. Twenty-seven persons from Dadeldhura, Doti, Baitadi, Darchula, and Bajhang were infected with the disease. Hospital lab Chief Ishwori Prasad Bhusal warned that scrub typhus might take on epidemic proportions if precautions were not taken on time. Medical Director Jitendra Kandel said scrub typhus which was diagnosed in Dadeldhura’s Ajayamaru Rural Municipality last year, had spread to other rural municipalities. Out of 130 patients from various districts in the far-west last year, 50 were infected with scrub typhus in 41 days. Of them, two were referred to Dhangadi for treatment, but had died in the course of treatment. Health workers have advised people to cover their bodies with clothes, not to defecate in the open and visit the hospital immediately in case any symptom is detected.