Epidemiological insights into scrub typhus in Goa

Abstract

Background: Scrub typhus is an acute, mite-borne, febrile illness, caused by Orientia tsutsugamushi (“noxious” or “dangerous mite”). It is an under-recognized rickettsial re-emerging infection with increasing public health relevance in India. Despite advances in diagnostics, regional epidemiological data remain sparse. Emerging epidemiological evidence indicates its occurrence in Goa, and potential to be a major challenge to public health owing to less developed preparedness. Methods: Hospital-based retrospective observational descriptive analysis of line-listed data of confirmed scrub typhus cases reported from Goa Medical college and hospital (tertiary care hospital), between 1st April 2024 and 31st March 2025. Temporal, spatial, and demographic analyses were performed using descriptive epidemiology and geospatial mapping Results: A total of 827 confirmed cases were documented with positivity of 29.38%. Males (65.6%) were disproportionately affected compared to females (34.4%). The highest burden occurred among adults aged 18-60 years. Seasonal peaks were observed during the monsoon months (July–September). Geospatial mapping revealed clusters in Tiswadi and Marmugao block. Conclusions: Scrub typhus is a re-emerging vector-borne infection in Goa, India with distinct seasonal and demographic patterns. Strengthened surveillance, clinician awareness, and integration of scrub typhus diagnostics into routine fever panel is warranted.