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Deadly Form of Typhus Spread by Chiggers Discovered in United States for the First Time

Potentially Deadly Form of Typhus Detected in the United States for the First Time

In a concerning development, scientists from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have discovered a potentially deadly form of typhus that is spread by chiggers in the United States for the first time. Chiggers, also known as trombiculid mites or berry bugs, found in North Carolina parks have been found to be infected with the bacteria that causes scrub typhus.

Scrub typhus is a serious illness that can lead to severe multiorgan failure if not treated promptly. According to a report, the disease has a fatality rate of up to 70% without medical attention. Previously, scrub typhus was only seen in the Tsutsugamushi Triangle, an area in the Asia-Pacific region named after the Orientia tsutsugamushi bacteria that causes the illness.

“This is the first time that [scrub typhus] has been detected in the free-living chigger [mites] in the US,” said Kaiying Chen, an entomologist at North Carolina State University.

Mites carrying the O. tsutsugamushi bacteria were found throughout North Carolina, from the coastal area at Merchants Millpond State Park to Morrow Mountain State Park farther west. Adult and larval chiggers are small enough to fit on the head of a pin, and a chigger bite can resemble a small cigarette burn.

The CDC has issued a dispatch, published in Emerging Infectious Diseases, urging clinicians in the region to be alert for possible human cases of illness resulting from Orientia [species] infection. The disease has also recently been discovered in Chile and parts of Africa and the Middle East.

Scrub typhus spreads to people through the bites of infected chiggers, which are the larval form of mites. Symptoms typically appear within 10 days of being bitten and can include fever, headache, body aches, and rash. However, the infection can often be misdiagnosed as the flu or a tick-borne disease like Rocky Mountain spotted fever.

When caught early, scrub typhus can be easily treated with the antibiotic doxycycline, according to the CDC. However, the spread of scrub typhus follows the trend of other tropical diseases spreading into more temperate climates. This is exemplified by the recent discovery of five new locally acquired cases of malaria in the United States, where mosquitoes were found to be carrying the disease.

The detection of scrub typhus in chiggers in the United States highlights the importance of vigilance and prompt medical attention in order to prevent the spread of this potentially lethal disease.
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What are the recommended preventive measures to avoid the spread of scrub typhus?

As mainly found in Asia, primarily in rural areas where people come into contact with mites in fields, forests, and grasslands.

The discovery of scrub typhus in the United States is a cause for concern, as it suggests that the disease may be spreading to new areas and potentially becoming more widespread. It is unclear how the chiggers became infected with the bacteria, but scientists suspect that migratory birds may have played a role in introducing the disease to North Carolina parks.

Symptoms of scrub typhus can vary, but commonly include fever, headache, muscle aches, and rash. If left untreated, the infection can progress to a more severe stage, causing damage to organs such as the liver, heart, and lungs.

To prevent the spread of scrub typhus, the CDC recommends avoiding areas with chigger-infested vegetation, wearing long sleeves and pants, using insect repellent, and checking for ticks and chiggers after spending time outdoors. It is also important to seek medical attention if symptoms of scrub typhus occur, as early diagnosis and treatment with antibiotics are crucial for a successful recovery.

The discovery of scrub typhus in the United States highlights the importance of vigilance and awareness when it comes to emerging infectious diseases. Public health agencies, such as the CDC, play a critical role in monitoring and responding to such threats, and it is essential for individuals to take necessary precautions to protect themselves and prevent the spread of diseases like scrub typhus.

2 thoughts on “Deadly Form of Typhus Spread by Chiggers Discovered in United States for the First Time”

  1. This article sheds light on the alarming discovery of a deadly form of typhus spreading via chiggers within the United States. A concerning development that calls for immediate attention and proactive measures to combat this emerging threat to public health.

    Reply
  2. This is alarming! The discovery of a deadly form of typhus, spread by chiggers, in the United States is a serious concern. Urgent measures should be taken to control the spread of this disease and ensure public safety.

    Reply

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