Vietnam’s Ministry of Health has warned residents in the mountainous areas of the spread of the Tsutsugamushi disease, which has already infected 78 people in the northern province of Yen Bai. The disease is caused by Trombicula bugs, which typically favor shrubs and low-hung trees and adhere to small animals including mice, rabbits, dogs and chicken. Those living and working in wet conditions in forests, grassy areas, shrubs and streams are particularly susceptible to getting stung by the bugs and getting infected. The ministry said the disease may occur during wet season from April to October, and burst out between June and July. Up to 80.5% of the infected cases are people working in mountainous and rural areas, including farmers and soldiers. The delitescence remains silent and hidden for eight to twelve days. Patients can suffer constantly high fever for as many as 27 days with headache and muscle pain if they do not receive any treatment. A particular symptom of the disease is an ulcerated spot caused when the bug stings, which usually lies in soft and moist body parts such as the neck, groin, ears and eyes. Spraying insecticides like diazinon and fenthion on the soil and clear shrubs around living areas can help kill the bugs, the ministry said. (www.cpv.org.vn [1] Oct 17)
