Warning to campers Be careful of soft worms. Bite in danger of getting sick “Typhus” has already killed 4 people.

Entering the winter travel season in 2024. Department of Disease Control (Cor.) Ministry of Public Health Warning for campers, hikers, and agricultural workers to be careful. Typhus scrub (Scrib typhus) no “typhoid fever” which is an infectious disease carried by insects It is caused by bacteria in the rickettsia group (Rickettsia), which is naturally an infectious disease between wild animals in the rodent family, such as rats, chipmunks, and rats, etc. . . Symptoms of the disease But if it comes in contact with people it can make them sick.

Scrub typhus (Scrub typhus) or typhusDiseases that should be careful Although it is found in all seasons But it is more common in the rainy season to winter. This disease is transmitted to humans byYoung hills (Chiggers) are carriers of young mites that live in bushes. Lawn in the garden When a rodent enters that area, it will be caught with soft worms and touch blood. If these animals have germs, young worms will be infected. And when a person is bitten, it causes the disease to spread to the next person.

“This disease can be found in all seasons. But it can be found mostly in the rainy season until the beginning of winter. and found mostly in agricultural areas that are a risk group People who work in agriculture, farming, gardening, collecting forest products, and walking tourists.”

Symptoms of the disease After being bitten there is an infection.Time of incubation 6-20 days (average 10 days) Common symptoms are: severe feverand chills, headaches, fatigue, muscle pain and body aches. Gradually a small rash becomes bigger or bigger. And you may find a black, slimy cigarette-like wound in the place where the soft worms have bitten. It is painless in some cases, it can heal on its own. And some people can develop serious complications such as pneumonia, meningitis and encephalitis. myocarditis and the failure of the organs in the body to cause death Especially the elderly if they do not receive proper care.

This information is from the revolutionary news research program. Between 1 January – 21 October 2024, there were reports of 4 deaths: 2 in Nakhon Ratchasima, 1 in Surin and Sisaket, 1 in each province, aged 59-78 years, with a history of risk, that is working in garden The main symptom found was a high fever.

There were also reports of 2 cluster outbreaks: Tak, event 1, with 11 patients. Ill means horticulture (cutting rubber trees).

In addition, the Department of Epidemiology also revealed data on the rate of scrub typhus disease per 100,000 people. Sorted by province From 1 January – 29 October 2024, divided into the 10 most common:

1. Mae Hong Son
2. dry
3. Raonong
4. Nan
5. Chiang Rai
6. Chiang Mai
7. Phangnga
8. Roi Et
9. Yasothon
10. Uttaradit

The Department of Disease Control is providing additional advice to the public. With the current scrub typhus disease There is still no vaccine to prevent it. The best way to prevent the risk of infection is to avoid being bitten by soft worms.

• Avoid entering areas that are at risk of infection. or areas that are habitats for young worms, such as ditches, agricultural areas near forests, grasslands, bushes, forest edges, or areas of large trees where sunlight cannot reach, etc.

• If it is necessary to enter a dangerous area Try to avoid sitting or lying down on the ground or grass. To avoid being bitten by soft mites Clothing should be worn to cover the arms and legs. and use an insect repellent applied or sprayed on skin and clothing.

• When you leave the danger zone, take a quick shower to clean your body and hair. Check your body for rashes, sores or bugs. And the clothes you wear should be washed and cleaned immediately with a thick detergent.

Information from the Division of Epidemiology, Division of Disease Control.