Emerging Burden of Scrub Typhus: A Comprehensive Analysis of Clinical, Demographic, and Occupational Risk Factors in a Tertiary Care Center in Rajasthan, India

Introduction Scrub typhus, caused by <i>Orientia tsutsugamushi</i>, is a re-emerging public health threat in India. The detailed characterization of its local epidemiology and clinical presentation is essential for timely diagnosis and effective public health intervention. Methods A cross-sectional, observational study was conducted from January to April 2024. A total of 156 patients with acute undifferentiated febrile illness were screened, of which 46 IgM enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)-confirmed scrub typhus cases were included for analysis. Data on demographic characteristics, geographical distribution, occupation, clinical features, and laboratory parameters were systematically collected and analyzed. Results Scrub typhus was the leading cause of acute undifferentiated febrile illnesses (AUFI) (46/156, 29.5%), showing a significant predilection for women (29, 63.0%), rural residents (32, 69.6%), and agricultural workers (25, 54.3%), with a distinct seasonal peak in March-April (39, 84.8%). The most common symptoms were fever (46, 100%), myalgia (30, 65.2%), and headache (28, 60.9%); notably, an eschar was absent in all patients. Thrombocytopenia was significantly more prevalent in hospitalized (inpatient department {IPD}) patients compared to outpatients (outpatient department {OPD}) (five, 45.5%, versus four, 11.4%; p=0.010). Conclusion The distinct demographic profile and frequent hepatic dysfunction, in the absence of an eschar, are critical features that should guide early diagnosis and empiric treatment in this endemic region. Public health efforts should target at-risk populations through awareness and vector control measures.