Dorothy FarrarJapanese river fever
Japanese river fever ( Tsutsugamushi fever) is an infectious disease found in Asia, northern Australia, India and Pakistan. The trigger is the Orienta tsutsugamushi species of bacteria, which was also previously known as Rickettsia tsutsugamushi.
What is Japanese River Fever?
Japanese river fever is also known as bush or mite spotted fever because the arthropods (mites, fleas , lice , etc.) transmit the disease. The infectious disease belongs to the group of rickettsioses. Rickettsia are attached to hosts such as mites and ticks.
The infection spreads throughout the body without treatment and can be fatal in the worst case. According to studies, those affected have immunity for about one to two years after surviving the disease, so that Tsutsugamushi fever does not break out even if the infection is renewed.
causes
The cause is the Rickettsia tsutsugamushi bacteria , which is transmitted through a bite. The preferred hosts are ticks , mites, lice and fleas. The mites live on low plants such as rice plants, which means that transmission to humans is relatively high in these landscapes.
The so-called arthropods secrete saliva to numb the bite site. The bacteria are transferred to the wound, causing the sufferer to become infected with Tsutsugamushi fever. The incubation period, i.e. the time between infection and outbreak, is 7 to 30 days.
symptoms and course
Typical symptoms of Japanese river fever:
The first symptoms become noticeable after about 7 to 30 days. The bite site, which is usually red, feels hot. Initially, there are also symptoms that are similar to flu, such as fever, headache and body aches. Later, the rash forms, which spreads over the whole body. Furthermore, among the first symptoms of Tsutsugamushi fever are the nodules (papules) on the skin that develop where the mite has bitten and thus transmitted the bacteria.
Over time, the papule often develops into a painful ulcer and is covered with a black scab. In the majority of sufferers, a rash develops within a few days with spots two to four millimeters in size, which are initially pale reddish and later dark brownish. This rash is spread all over the body. Other symptoms that start suddenly include headaches and body aches, swollen lymph nodes, an enlarged spleen and fever up to 41°C.
Those affected usually feel very bad. Severe cases can also lead to myocarditis (inflamed heart muscle) or encephalitis (inflammation of the brain). In these cases, hallucinations , severe nausea, seizures and loss of consciousness occur. In the context of myocarditis, a drop in blood pressure can cause severe circulatory problems and heart palpitations, which can sometimes be fatal.
With early and proper treatment, Tsutsugamushi fever has a good prognosis. If the affected person receives antibiotics too late or not at all , complications such as inflammation of the lungs , brain or heart muscle are possible. If left untreated, Tsutsugamushi fever can be life-threatening, while the possibilities under antibiotic therapy are very good.
Diagnose
If Japanese river fever is suspected, the doctor will order a blood test to determine if an infection is present. For the anamnesis , it is also important to ask the person concerned about a stay in risk areas or about insect bites and to determine the symptoms that have occurred. Usually a general practitioner makes the diagnosis. If necessary, if the diagnosis cannot be assigned exactly, a tropical medicine specialist can also be consulted.
complications
With this disease, as a rule, there are various complaints. Those affected suffer from severe reddening of the skin, with the bite site in particular being reddened and itching. The patients also suffer from high fever and headaches and body aches. This causes symptoms of the flu or a cold. A rash on the skin and the formation of papules are also possible and have a very negative effect on the quality of life of those affected.
In severe cases, the disease can also lead to the formation of an ulcer or inflammation of the heart. Hallucinations are also common. Those affected appear exhausted and no longer actively participate in life. Pneumonia can also occur. The disease can usually be defeated with antibiotics. Complications arise when no treatment occurs. If the treatment is successful, the patient’s life expectancy will not be reduced.
treatment and therapy
Japanese river fever is usually treated with antibiotics in sufficient doses and over a long period of time. If the duration of treatment is too short, there is a risk that bacteria will survive and thus develop resistance to the drug. Therapy should be inpatient, since the disease is sometimes difficult to treat. Basically, as is the case with all infectious diseases, the earlier Tsutsugamushi fever is recognized and treated, the better the chances of recovery.
In addition to the disease itself, the accompanying symptoms must also be treated. Mild creams containing cortisone help against the sometimes very itchy rash, analgesics against the pain and antipyretics against the fever . Anti- inflammatory preparations prevent the infection and further inflammation in the body from spreading quickly.
prevention
A primary preventive measure against Japanese river fever is to avoid mite, tick, and flea bites. Before traveling to a risk area, it is advisable to find out in detail whether Tsutsugamushi fever is widespread in the region. It is also advisable to always wear long-sleeved clothing and a hat.
After being outdoors, the body should be checked for arthropods and bite wounds. This also applies to hairy parts of the body such as the head, armpits and genital area. If lice, ticks, fleas, etc. are found or if a bite wound appears, it is important to see a doctor immediately, even if no symptoms have yet appeared. Tsutsugamushi fever can only be treated successfully and without consequences if it is treated early.
Hello and welcome to my Health Guide & Encyclopedia! My name is Dorothy Farrar, and I'm the founder and main author of this platform.
My passion for health and wellness started at a young age when I became interested in the connection between the food we eat and the way we feel. This fascination led me to study nutrition and dietetics in college, where I learned about the importance of a balanced diet and the impact of various nutrients on the body.