Some epidemiological considerations of scrub typhus (Rickettsia tsutsugamushi) in a natural focus in the Zambales Mountains, Luzon, Republic of the Philippines.

Abstract

Reports of six cases of scrub typhus in USAF personnel at the 3614th Combat Crew Training Squadron, Clark Air Base, Philippines during the rainy seasons of 1969 and 1970 prompted an investigation into the scrub typhus potential of the field training area. Rickettsia tsutsugamushi was isolated from Rattus rattus mindanensis; two vector species, Leptotrombidium (Leptotrombidium) akamushi and L. (L.) deliense, were collected. The focus fulfilled all of the basic requirements for the natural maintenance of this disease.