Objective: Scrub typhus is an acute infectious disease caused by Orientia tsutsugamushi, also known as Rickettisia, which is a mite borne gram negative bacterium. According to WHO, Scrub typhus is one of the under-diagnosed and under-reported febrile illnesses in the Asia-Pacific region. The incidence of scrub typhus infections depends majorly on the climate, temperature and degree of rainfall. In India, increased humidity favors hatching of mite eggs into chiggers which leads to transmission of Scrub typhus. Case Summary: In this report, we present a case of an 18-year-old Asian girl who developed Scrub Typhus infection after being exposed to the causative organism. Conclusion: The report emphasizes the public health burden of the disease in India, the importance of evidence-based use of antibiotics, coupled with patient centric inter-professional care which could bring about reduction in symptoms and better outcomes.

Dr. Haritha Mukund*

Typhus, Orientia tsutsugamushi, maculopapular rash, doxycycline