Typhus – Nepal

28 Scrub typhus cases in Bajura.

The most common symptoms of scrub typhus are fever, headache, body ache and rashes, similar to dengue. Patients typically suffer from constant fever, headache, sweating, pain in the corner of the eyes, weakness and cough. Afer 5 to 7 days, patients will developed a rash in their neck that spreads to other parts of the body.

Local doctors urge people to wear full-sleeve clothes, boots, maintain hygiene, and keep the surroundings clean.

Photo: cells infected with Rickettsia bacteria (red)

Typhus, also known as typhus fever, is a group of infectious diseases that include epidemic typhus (body lice), scrub typhus (chiggers), murine typhus (fleas) and tick-borne typhus.

The diseases are caused by specific types of bacterial infection. Epidemic typhus is due to Rickettsia prowazekii.

Common symptoms include fever, headache, and a rash. Typically these begin one to two weeks after exposure.

Prevention is achieved by reducing exposure to the organisms that spread the disease. Typhus has been described since at least 1528 AD.

<<< Back to alert index

Follow us

While you are here, help us with

Access to Essential Drugs

One third of children, women and men have no access to essential medicines, putting lives at risk. Hospitals frequently run out of medicines and other essential supplies. Our Med-Aid program connects hospitals with aid and ensures that they receive exactly what they need.

Access to Diagnostics

Much of today’s innovation is either not reaching or not suitable for people in developing countries.

Data to Improve Health

Faster and reactive systems to help provide lifesaving support to vulnerable communities.

Support our work. It only takes a minute but makes a world of difference!

With your help we can bring modern diagnostics and essential medicines to people in need, track disease outbreaks better and help prevent future pandemics.