Scrub Typhus in Children: Jammu Experience

The present retrospective study describes clinical profile of the children hospitalized in SMGS hospital withScrub Typhus infection in Jammu during period Oct 08 to Sept 09. 21 hospitalized children with clinicalfeatures suggestive of Rickettsial disease (fever, generalized rash) who tested ELISA positive for IgM againstScrub Typhus were included in the present study between the age of 5 years and 18 years. 52.4% childrenbelonged to Sunderbani-Naushera - Rajouri belt and majority of them reported during the months of August toNovember. All children presented with fever and maculopapular rash. 61.9% had lymphadenopathy, 57.12%had edema and 46% patients had conjunctival congestion. 76.13%, 23.8%, 19.04%, 9.2% hadhepatosplenomegaly , pain abdomen ,altered sensorium and gastrointestinal bleed respectively. All of the 21children were treated with chloramphenicol. None of them died. Rickettsial infection is quite common inJammu region and thus, high degree of suspicion, knowledge of geographical distribution and clinical featuresof Rickettsial disease helps in its early diagnosis and treatment.