Abstract
This study aimed to examine the awareness and the work-related factors associated with scrub typhus to provide data essential for evidence-based preventive strategies. A community-based case control study was carried out in the rural areas of Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea. Confirmed cases of scrub typhus (n = 57) were based on laboratory tests performed by the Korean Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC), 114 matched neighborhood controls, age (±6 years), gender and area of residence in the Gyeongsangbuk-do of South Korea. These cases were contracted over the 12-month period of January to December 2015. Overall, 61.4% cases and 79.8% of the control group had heard about scrub typhus. Cases were less aware about the fact that mites are mainly found in the bushes and that long sleeves and full-length pants and boots helped prevent scrub typhus. However, more were aware of the eschar lesion as a characteristic sign of scrub typhus. Work related risk factors such as having a wetland or puddles of water surrounding the house, dry field farming and working in the livestock industry were significantly associated with the scrub typhus. Health promotion strategies, such as creating general awareness, personal protection methods and improving personal hygiene and environmental sanitation in collaboration with relevant sectors, are recommended to reduce the burden of scrub typhus. Further intervention studies on awareness and behavioral and environmental modifications are required to investigate the effectiveness of such interventions.
Highlights
Scrub typhus is a mite-borne infection caused by Orientia tsutsugamushi
The present study addressed awareness and work-related factors associated with risk of scrub typhus using a community-based case control study design
Unlike the previous study, we found that females, individuals with a family history of scrub typhus and a history of receiving prevention education were significantly associated with scrub typhus awareness
Summary
Scrub typhus is a mite-borne infection caused by Orientia tsutsugamushi. The disease is transmitted to humans through the bites of larvae of different species of trombiculid mites, appearing commonly in the autumn season [1,2]. Rodents provide a disease reservoir whereas mites act as a reservoir and a disease vector [3]. It has been reported that inappropriately or untreated scrub typhus has a mortality rate of at least 30% [6]. One billion people are at risk of scrub typhus, which causes illness in one million people annually [1,7]. The endemicity of scrub typhus has been well reported in many Asian Pacific countries, Int. J. Public Health 2018, 15, 1143; doi:10.3390/ijerph15061143 www.mdpi.com/journal/ijerph
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
