A rare etiology behind isolated lateral rectus palsy: Scrub typhus

Area of Science:

• * Infectious Diseases
• * Neurology
• * Public Health

Background:

• * Scrub typhus (ST) is increasingly recognized as a significant cause of febrile illness in India.
• * General practitioners should consider ST in the differential diagnosis for fever of unknown origin.
• * Early treatment with doxycycline is effective, but delayed diagnosis can lead to severe complications.

Observation:

• * A rare case of ST presenting with isolated lateral rectus palsy is reported.
• * This specific neurological complication of ST has been documented only a few times globally.
• * The case highlights the diverse and unusual manifestations of scrub typhus.

Findings:

• * Isolated lateral rectus palsy is an uncommon but serious complication of scrub typhus.
• * Prompt serological testing for ST is available and affordable in India.
• * Timely diagnosis facilitates effective and rapid treatment.

Implications:

• * Increased awareness among healthcare providers about ST and its potential neurological complications is necessary.
• * The availability of accessible diagnostic tests can improve patient outcomes.
• * This case underscores the importance of considering scrub typhus in febrile illnesses, even with atypical presentations.