Meghalaya: Scrub typhus infection kills two, many critically ill

While several are receiving treatment at the Dr. H. Gordon Roberts Hospital in Jaiaw, scrub typhus infection has claimed the life of two persons.
Through the bites of berry bugs or infected chiggers, scrub typhus is transmitted.
Patients from many regions in the Khasi and Jaintia Hills have been infected and brought to the hospital. Ri Bhoi, East Khasi Hills, West Khasi Hills, and South West Khasi Hills are some of these.

Scrub typhus has just lately come to the notice of the general public and Meghalaya's health systems, according to a medical specialist at the hospital named Meban Aibor Kharkongor, who spoke with several reporters here on Wednesday.

"Scrub typhus season spans from July to December almost every year, with peak cases observed in November," the statement added.
Several critically ill patients have been admitted to the hospital's intensive care unit, according to Dr. Kharkongor. He went on to say that the state of affairs is worrisome.
It may take three months to treat a patient in catastrophic condition. According to him, there are instances where patients might not make it."

The doctor stated that the largest risk of developing the sickness is among young men and women who frequent regions with dense vegetation for both job and relaxation.
"These microscopic insects will adhere to our garments, infiltrate the skin, and eventually seek sanctuary in areas where the skin folds, such as the axillae, groin, beneath the breasts, behind the earlobes, etc.," he stated.