The number of scrub typhus cases has increased in Nawalparasi following the end of the monsoon.

According to the Province Public Health Office, Nawalparasi (Bardaghat-Susta East), a total of 44 cases of scrub typhus have been reported in Nawalpur this year as of today.

Public Health Officer and Information Officer Chhabilal Subedi stated that there were 17 cases in the district as of September 21, and 27 new cases have been recorded in the past 20 days. 

Of the infected individuals, 38 have recovered while six are currently undergoing treatment.

Although the risk of dengue has decreased in the district, the risk of scrub typhus which presents symptoms similar to dengue has increased. “Alarmingly, scrub typhus is 30 times more fatal than dengue,” he added.

Scrub typhus is caused by a bacterium called Orientia tsutsugamushi which is transmitted to humans through bites from infected mites.

Office Chief Shailendra Kumar Singh stated that public awareness efforts have been intensified in response to the growing threat of scrub typhus. 

As no vaccine is currently available for the disease, the most effective preventive measure is to avoid bites from infected mites. These mites commonly inhabit low-lying bushes and are also found on the ears of mice in the area.