Scrub typhus in a febrile patient and challenges faced in a diagnosis-constrained health centre: A case report

Abstract

Scrub typhus is an acute febrile bacterial illness and has a high mortality if left untreated. It is caused by bacterium called Orientia tsutsugamushi which is transmitted to humans as zoonosis by bite of chigger mites that are infected by the bacterium. The diagnosis is based on clinical features and specific laboratory tests. Treatment of Scrub typhus is done with antibiotics and symptoms management. This report is a case of a 24-year-old female febrile patient who presented with complications of Scrub typhus due to missed diagnosis at Primary Health Centre and managed at district hospital. This case report highlights the challenges faced by health workers in management of acute febrile illness in a diagnosis-constrained setting.