Purpose: To discuss a case of scrub typhus complicated with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in a 67-year-old female. An overview of the prevalence and pathogenesis of the disorder, clinical diagnosis, and treatment are presented.
Data sources: Case report, diagnostic evidence, and scientific literature.
Conclusions: If not properly treated, scrub typhus can cause serious complications, such as ARDS and septicemia. When left untreated, the mortality rate for scrub typhus will be increased. When there is a cause to believe that scrub typhus is present, doxycycline treatment leads to rapid symptom improvement.
Implications for practice: People might not be aware of the possibility of scrub typhus because it had been a more common disease in the past. Nurse practitioners (NPs) should take a detail history and be aware of common clinical manifestations to promote the early recognition and appropriate treatment of scrub typhus, which would prevent severe complications and reduce mortality. A resurgence of the disease could occur at any time among military troops serving in endemic regions.
©2012 The Author(s) Journal compilation ©2012 American Academy of Nurse Practitioners.