Scrub Typhus in Continental Chile, 2016-2018¹.

Area of Science:

• * Infectious Diseases
• * Medical Entomology
• * South American Epidemiology

Background:

• * Scrub typhus is a potentially severe infectious disease caused by Orientia tsutsugamushi bacteria.
• * The disease is transmitted through the bite of infected chiggers (larval mites).
• * Historically, scrub typhus was not considered endemic to South America.

Observation:

• * Cases of scrub typhus were identified in patients across a broad geographical area of continental Chile.
• * The cases were acquired between 2016 and 2018.
• * This contrasts with the recent detection of endemic scrub typhus solely on Chiloé Island.

Findings:

• * The study confirms the presence of scrub typhus in mainland Chile, extending its known endemic range.
• * This demonstrates that scrub typhus is an emerging public health concern in continental South America.
• * The findings highlight the need for increased surveillance and diagnostic capabilities for rickettsial infections.

Implications:

• * The expanded geographical distribution of scrub typhus necessitates a reevaluation of diagnostic and treatment protocols in Chile and neighboring regions.
• * Further research is crucial to understand the ecological factors driving the spread of scrub typhus in South America.
• * Public health awareness campaigns are needed to educate healthcare providers and the public about the signs and symptoms of scrub typhus.