Epidemiological Analysis of Scrub Typhus, Central Taiwan, 2015–2020

DOI: 10.6525/TEB.202304_39(7).0001

Yu-Chun Chang^*, Kung-Ching Wang, Min-Tsung Lin, Ching-Fen Ko, Jhy-Wen Wu

2023 Vol.39 NO.7

Correspondence Author： Yu-Chun Chang^*

Abstract：

        Scrub typhus is a rickettsial disease transmitted to humans through the bite of chigger mites infected with Orientia tsutsugamushi. We analyzed the data of the cases in central Taiwan from 2015 to 2020 to find out the epidemiology and high-risk groups of scrub typhus infections.
        A total of 273 confirmed cases were identified, and 3 of them were imported cases. The risk factors of scrub typhus infection in Taichung and Changhua were hiking in the mountainous area and exposure to brushwood or grassy areas, whereas in Nantou the agricultural exposure.
        In 2019, one worker from the environmental protection bureau was infected with scrub typhus. The investigation showed that the patient might have been infected due to the lack of proper personal protection at work. Taichung City Government then held educational training for the general population and implemented rodent control measures, and no further cases were reported.
        The most important measure to prevent scrub typhus infection is avoiding contact with infected chiggers. Therefore, it is important to educate people that personal protection measures should be taken when approaching high-risk areas in outdoor activities.