Scrub Typhus: Symptoms, Causes, and Geographic Risk

Scrub typhus is caused by Orientia tsutsugamushi, transmitted by infected larval mites (chiggers). Common in rural Southeast Asia, Japan, China, India, northern Australia.

Symptoms appear 10–12 days post-bite:

• High fever (up to 105°F)
• Severe headache
• Muscle pain (legs, back)
• Characteristic rash: small red spots merging into red patches on trunk, arms, legs
• Swollen, tender lymph nodes near bite
• Chills, dry cough
• Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain
• Confusion/disorientation in severe cases

Seek prompt medical attention if fever and symptoms develop after exposure in endemic areas. Early diagnosis and treatment improve outcomes.