Acute respiratory distress syndrome following scrub typhus: a case report.

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.