From Fever to Life-Threatening Infection: The Dangers of Scrub Typhus

A man with high fever and fatigue self-treated at home for four days without improvement before being diagnosed with septic shock and multiple organ failure at the provincial hospital. Despite requiring dialysis, a ventilator, and intravenous broad-spectrum antibiotics, his condition did not improve. In critical condition, he was transferred to the 108 Central Military Hospital with circulatory collapse, myocarditis, progressive acute respiratory failure, acute liver and kidney damage, and thrombocytopenia.

Doctors at the 108 Central Military Hospital identified an ulcer on the patient’s right chest as typical of scrub typhus on July 2nd. Test results confirmed the patient was infected with Orientia tsutsugamushi, the pathogen that causes scrub typhus. Following diagnosis, the patient was treated with specific antibiotics and supportive measures for organ failure. Currently, his fever has subsided, his breathing has improved, and his organ failure is showing signs of recovery.

Scrub typhus is an acute infectious disease transmitted through the bite of mite larvae that is caused by Orientia tsutsugamushi. Its diverse manifestations include prolonged high fever, severe headache, skin and mucous membrane congestion, and rash. Skin ulcers can form at the site of the larval bite and are usually painless and not itchy; most cases will have one or two ulcers in soft or moist skin areas. It’s important for individuals in endemic areas to take precautions when staying or working in environments favored by scrub typhus larvae to prevent this dangerous but preventable disease from occurring again. Prompt medical attention should be sought for fevers of unknown origin accompanied by potential risk factors for scrub typhus