Scrub Typhus in Goa: What You Should and Shouldn’t Do
Panaji, 2026: A new study, “Epidemiological Insights into Scrub Typhus in Goa”, published in the International Journal of Community Medicine and Public Health this October, has found that scrub typhus is circulating across Goa. The analysis covered 2,815 samples tested at the Goa Medical College and Hospital (GMC) between April 2024 and March 2025. Of these, 827 (29.38%) were positive. Tiswadi and Mormugao were identified as leading hotspots, and cases peaked during July to September, linked to monsoon rainfall and vegetation growth.
Scrub typhus is spread by the bite of infected larval mites. It is not transmitted from person to person. Its early symptoms can resemble dengue, malaria or leptospirosis, so it is often missed. Untreated, it can lead to bleeding, brain inflammation and multi-organ dysfunction. No human vaccine is currently available.
Early diagnosis and treatment are effective, and simple precautions reduce risk.
“Scrub typhus is treatable, and the key is not to wait. If you have a fever after spending time in grassy or bushy areas, get tested early. With timely diagnosis and the right antibiotics, most patients recover fully. Simple precautions like covering up and using repellent go a long way in keeping the risk low.” said Dr. Vijay Naik, consultant Physician Healthway Hospitals
DOs
● Cover up in grassy, bushy or farm areas with long sleeves and trousers, with trousers tucked into socks or boots.
● Use repellent on exposed skin and clothing.
● Sit on a mat or sheet rather than directly on grass or soil.
● Bathe and change clothes after outdoor activity, and wash them promptly.
● Check your body for bites or a dark scab-like patch, especially in skin folds.
● See a doctor early if fever, headache, body ache or rash appears after outdoor exposure, and mention that exposure.
● Ask for a scrub typhus test if fever persists.
● Complete the full course of medicines prescribed by your doctor.
DON’Ts
● Don’t ignore a fever that lasts more than two to three days.
● Don’t self-medicate or take leftover antibiotics.
● Don’t assume it is dengue or malaria without proper testing.
● Don’t dry clothes or bedding on bushes or the ground.
● Don’t stop treatment once you feel better.
● Don’t panic or stigmatise patients. The disease cannot spread between people.
The study’s authors have recommended integrating scrub typhus testing into routine fever investigations, particularly during and after the monsoon. Adults aged 18 to 60 accounted for 80.17% of positive cases, and men for 64.45%, so outdoor workers, farmers and trekkers should be especially careful.
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