Nepal Health Alert! Scrub Typhus on the Rise

In an alarming situation that has gripped the Himalayan Nation over the past few months, the increasing number of Scrub Typhus cases is posing a threat to Nepalis health.

According to the Nepal Epidemiology and Disease Control Division (NEDCD) as many as 105 scrub typhus cases have been reported in a matter of 60 days.

What is more shocking is that these numbers are higher than the total number of cases recorded throughout 2017 – 168 cases!

Nepal Scrub Typhus Statistics:

• Nepal first reported Scrub Typhus cases in 2015, wherein 101 people from 16 districts were tested positive with the virus. Out of these, eight people could not survive the endemic
• In 2016, 831 people from 16 districts were identified with the disease, out of which 14 people died from its after-effects
• Currently, Chitwan district has recorded 20 cases, Nawalparsi 14 and Palpa 10
• Nearly 140,000 people from the Asia-Pacific region succumb to Scrub Typhus, annually

Stay Alert!
Scrub Typhus is caused by the bacteria Orientia Tsutsugamushi which is transmitted from Chigger, a tropical flea. It is encountered in high grass & brushlands and is famous as a harvest mite.

After people are bitten by this mite, they develop symptoms including fever, headache, sweating and inflammation of the lymph gland.

If left untreated, the disease may lead to brain encephalitis, swelling of lungs, renal failure and even heart issues.

Conclusion:
We hope that Nepal’s health sector gets the much-needed assistance in getting this endemic under control. Stay Safe Nepal!