Chitwan reports 246 Scrub Typhus cases amid rising concern – The Himalayan Times – Nepal’s No.1 English Daily Newspaper

KATHMANDU, OCTOBER 20

Chitwan has reported 246 confirmed cases of scrub typhus among patients undergoing treatment at various hospitals in the district.

These cases were identified out of 4,108 individuals who sought medical care at local health facilities.

According to Ram KC, kit controller at the Chitwan Public Health Office, 181 of the infected individuals are residents of Chitwan, while 65 are from outside the district.

The highest number of cases has been recorded in Bharatpur Metropolitan City, with 25 patients testing positive. Other municipalities have also reported infections, including Khairahani with 43 cases, Madi with 4, Ratnanagar with 61, Rapti with 20, Kalika with 23, and Ichhakamana Rural Municipality with 5 cases.

Scrub typhus is transmitted to humans through bites from infected mites that typically reside on the ears of mice and other animals. Symptoms may include high fever, red eyes, cough, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, severe headaches, joint and muscle pain, rashes, and occasionally, black spot-like lesions at the bite site.

To reduce the risk of infection, KC has advised residents to wear long-sleeved clothing and appropriate footwear when entering fields, shrubs, or forested areas, apply insect repellent on exposed skin, manage grass growth around home gardens, maintain environmental cleanliness, and store grains properly to deter mice.

Authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant and seek immediate medical attention if any symptoms appear.

(With inputs from Rastriya Samchar Samiti)