The Centers for Disease Control (hereafter referred to as CDC) states that with the domestic summer vacation travel peak approaching, the incidence of scrub typhus will enter a high
season; this year’s cumulative cases have already exceeded the same period each year since 2022, reminding the public to take personal protective measures when traveling and hiking,
wear long‑sleeved clothing and use mosquito repellent, implement double protection, and avoid being bitten by chiggers that cause disease; if suspected symptoms appear,
seek medical attention promptly and inform of travel exposure history to facilitate early diagnosis and treatment.
CDC monitoring data show that as of July 1, 2026, there have been a cumulative 104 confirmed cases of scrub typhus,
of which 103 are locally acquired; the majority of infections, 79 cases (76.7%), occurred in the eastern and offshore island regions, and this year’s cumulative case count
exceeds the same period in 2023–2025 (which ranged from 71 to 92 cases). Scrub typhus cases occur throughout the year in our country, and historical data
show that reports rise from April to May, peak in June to July, with more infections in the eastern and offshore island areas.
The CDC notes that scrub typhus is transmitted by the bite of chigger mites carrying the Orientia tsutsugamushi pathogen, and chiggers reside in
grass, waiting to attach to passing humans or animals. The incubation period is about 9 to 12 days, and patients may develop
persistent high fever, headache, swollen lymph nodes, and about a week after fever onset a red maculopapular rash appears on the skin; the bite site
usually develops a scab, which is a key characteristic of the disease.
The CDC urges that when the public engages in outdoor activities such as hiking or camping and comes into contact with grassy environments, they must
take personal protective measures, including wearing light‑colored long‑sleeved clothing, long socks, boots, and gloves, tucking pant legs into the socks; and use
government‑approved repellents containing effective ingredients such as DEET, Picaridin, or IR‑3535, applied to clothing and exposed skin according to label instructions.
In addition, after returning home, promptly shower and change all clothing to prevent chigger attachment. If suspected symptoms occur,
seek medical care promptly and inform the physician of relevant activity history, or any exposure to grass, to aid clinical diagnosis. More information is available on the
CDC website
Source: Disease Control Agency
Data compiled: Infection Control Office
