Biswabrata Goswami
KRISHNAGAR, 29 SEP: Health officials in Santipur block, Nadia, are on high alert after reporting the first suspected case of scrub typhus bacterial infection in a 14-year-old boy residing in Kacharipara, Santipur. The young patient, who complained of fever, nausea, and body ache, was first treated at Santipur hospital before being admitted to a private hospital. The diligent efforts of the medical team, led by Dr. Shivaji Prasad Kar, saved the boy’s life, and he is now reportedly out of danger.
The patient’s initial symptoms mimicked those of Dengue, but all standard tests for malaria, dengue, and other common illnesses yielded negative results. Dr. Kar’s persistence and expertise led to the discovery of scrub typhus through specific antibody tests. Scrub typhus, caused by the Rickettsial bacterium Orientia tsutsugamushi, is transmitted to humans through bites from infected mites known as chiggers. Its symptoms include fever, headache, body ache, and occasionally a rash. In severe cases, the infection can lead to respiratory distress, brain and lung inflammation, kidney failure, and multi-organ failure, sometimes resulting in death.
“This is the first reported case of scrub typhus in Nadia. Normally, such cases are found in the Darjeeling area of West Bengal,” stated Dr. Kar, emphasizing the rarity of this occurrence in the region.
Following the confirmation of the infection, health officials have initiated extensive surveillance in the Kacharipara area. A thorough clinical examination of the patient’s family members was conducted, although they remained asymptomatic and were not tested for the disease.
The health department has yet to identify the source of the infection, prompting concerns about potential further cases. “The surveillance and survey have been started in the area where the patient lives. Our focus is on prevention and early detection,” stated a health official.
The successful treatment of the young boy has highlighted the importance of timely diagnosis and appropriate medical intervention in managing scrub typhus cases. Health authorities continue to monitor the situation closely to prevent any potential outbreaks in the region.
Tags: #Scrubtyphus #Santipur #Nadia
