Tsutsugamushi disease

Tsutsugamushi disease, also known as scrub typhus, is an acute febrile illness caused by the bacterium Orientia tsutsugamushi. It is transmitted by the bite of infected larval mites (chiggers) and is most common in the Asia-Pacific region, affecting people exposed to mite-infested scrub or rural areas.

0
Countries Affected
No data
Recent Cases (30d)
0
Active Outbreaks
N/A
Last Updated
📱 iOS App Temporarily Unavailable

We're working with Apple to restore our app to the App Store.

Get notified when it's back:
Email [email protected] (subject: REMINDER) or check back in a few days.

Track in App
Temporarily Unavailable
Track in App View Active Outbreaks

What is Tsutsugamushi disease?

The disease was first clinically described in Japan in 1899 by Dr. Michitaro Nagayo, though earlier accounts existed. It gained significant attention during World War II, causing widespread illness among Allied troops in the Pacific theater, leading to intensive research efforts. Today, it remains a major public health concern in many endemic countries.

Symptoms

  • Fever: High-grade, sudden onset
  • Headache: Often severe
  • Myalgia: Muscle aches
  • Eschar: A characteristic black, painless scab at the bite site (often present, but can be missed)
  • Rash: Maculopapular rash appearing a few days after fever onset
  • Lymphadenopathy: Swollen lymph nodes, especially near the bite
  • Gastrointestinal: Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain (in some cases)

Transmission

Tsutsugamushi disease is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected larval mites (chiggers) of the Trombiculid family. These mites acquire the bacteria by feeding on rodents (such as rats) that harbor the infection, and they can also transmit it generationally. The infection is not transmitted directly from person to person.

Contagious Period: Varies by disease

Prevention

  • Avoid contact with mite-infested areas, especially dense scrub vegetation.
  • Wear protective clothing (long sleeves, long pants, tuck pants into socks) when in endemic areas.
  • Use insect repellents containing DEET on exposed skin.
  • Treat clothing and gear with permethrin.
  • No vaccine is currently available for Tsutsugamushi disease.

Active Outbreaks & Recent Cases

Real-time intelligence from global health monitoring and AI-powered surveillance

Data sources: BEACON, ProMED, WHO, CDC, and 50+ national health agencies

No Active Outbreaks Detected

Our AI-powered surveillance hasn't detected significant Tsutsugamushi disease activity in the past 30 days.

Real-time monitoring continues 24/7 across BEACON, ProMED, WHO, CDC, and 50+ global health agencies

What This Means

Currently, Tsutsugamushi disease case counts are within baseline expectations globally. However, diseases can emerge rapidly, which is why continuous monitoring is critical.

Stay Prepared

Download the Virus Watcher app to get instant alerts if Tsutsugamushi disease activity increases in your region or travel destinations.

Prevention Remains Important

Even without active outbreaks, understanding Tsutsugamushi disease prevention helps protect you and your community:

  • Avoid contact with mite-infested areas, especially dense scrub vegetation.
  • Wear protective clothing (long sleeves, long pants, tuck pants into socks) when in endemic areas.
  • Use insect repellents containing DEET on exposed skin.
  • Treat clothing and gear with permethrin.
  • No vaccine is currently available for Tsutsugamushi disease.
View Live Alerts

Track Tsutsugamushi disease and 200+ other diseases with personalized alerts

Expert Resources & References

Trusted information from leading health organizations

CDC

Official guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

View CDC Resources →

WHO

Global disease surveillance and guidelines from the World Health Organization

View WHO Resources →

Research

Latest peer-reviewed research and clinical studies

View Research →

Medically Reviewed Content

Disease information on Virus Watcher is reviewed by our Chief Epidemiologist, a former CDC lead analyst for FluSight forecasting. Outbreak data is aggregated from verified sources including BEACON, ProMED, WHO, CDC, and 50+ national health agencies. This information is for educational purposes and should not replace professional medical advice.

Last reviewed: 2026-06-03

Stay Ahead of Tsutsugamushi disease Outbreaks

Get real-time alerts and intelligence on Tsutsugamushi disease and 200+ other diseases. Used by healthcare systems, EMS, schools, and travelers worldwide.

📱 iOS App Temporarily Unavailable

We're working with Apple to restore our app to the App Store.

Get notified when it's back:
Email [email protected] (subject: REMINDER) or check back in a few days.

Download App
Temporarily Unavailable
Download App Enterprise Solutions