Home / Health / Fever Alert: Scrub Typhus Mimics Dengue in Lucknow
Fever Alert: Scrub Typhus Mimics Dengue in Lucknow
25 Oct
Summary
- Scrub typhus testing considered for persistent fevers in Lucknow.
- KGMU reports a spike with 8-10 positive scrub typhus samples daily.
- Over 80 cases reported in Lucknow between January and October 2026.
In Lucknow, doctors are increasingly considering scrub typhus testing for patients experiencing persistent fevers due to symptom overlap with dengue and malaria. King George's Medical University (KGMU) has observed a notable increase in scrub typhus cases over the past week, with 8-10 of 40-45 daily tested samples returning positive.
Between January 1 and October 24, 2026, over 80 scrub typhus cases were reported by hospitals in Lucknow. Most cases occurred during June and September, coinciding with dense vegetation. Scrub typhus is an acute infectious disease caused by the bacterium Orientia tsutsugamushi, spread through infected mite bites.
Symptoms of scrub typhus include high fever, headache, and body aches, sometimes accompanied by a rash or a characteristic eschar at the bite site. Delayed diagnosis can lead to severe complications affecting vital organs like the lungs and kidneys. Experts emphasize seeking medical attention for persistent fevers.
Nationwide, reported scrub typhus cases in India have seen a substantial rise, increasing from 32,364 in 2022 to 86,895 in 2025. As of March 6, 2026, an additional 10,861 cases were reported. Preventive measures include avoiding overgrown vegetation and using insect repellents.
Scrub typhus has a long history, being endemic in parts of Asia and the western Pacific, with early descriptions dating back to 313 AD in China and 1810 in Japan. Increased awareness among doctors and better diagnostic facilities contribute to the higher identification of cases.
