By NewsDesk  @infectiousdiseasenews

Dengue fever

Aedes aegypti/CDC

Dengue fever cases are spiking in Nepal according to the Epidemiology and Disease Control Division (EDCD).

Through this past week, 5,096 people have been diagnosed with the mosquito-borne infection across the country, including six fatalities.

Dengue has spread to over 56 of the 77 districts of Nepal with Kathmandu and Chitwan recording the most cases, with 1,170 and 728, respectively.

ACLS Guide to Dengue Fever

Scrub typhus

A scrub typhus outbreak has been reported in Sudurpaschim Province, according to the Himalayan Times.

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Image depicts an adult and a larval chigger poised on the head of a pin/CDC

Head of the Health Branch at the State Ministry of Social Development, Narendra Karki says at least 138 people have tested positive for scrub typhus in Sudurpaschim Province and those affected are growing in numbers. Two deaths have been recorded.

Scrub typhus, caused by the bacterium Orientia tsutsugamushi, which is transmitted by chiggers encountered in high grass and brush, is endemic in northern Japan, Southeast Asia, the western Pacific Islands, eastern Australia, China, maritime areas and several parts of south-central Russia, India, and Sri Lanka. More than 1 million cases occur annually.

After being bitten by the chigger, an eschar will form over the bite, and the incubation period usually ranges from 9 to 12 days.   Subsequently, symptoms such as fever, headache, sweating and swelling or inflammation of the lymph gland will begin to develop.

After having had fever for about 1 week, a dark red papule will appear in the trunk, spread to extremities, and disappear after several days.

Complications of untreated scrub typhus include swelling of the lungs, brain encephalitis, renal failure or even heart problems.