KATHMANDU: The death toll from scrub typhus in Salyan has reached 10 following the death of another patient. Jit Bahadur Malla, 62, from Darma rural municipality-4, died while undergoing treatment in Nepalgunj, officials confirmed.
According to the Health Service Office in Salyan, 817 cases of scrub typhus have been reported in the district to date. The highest number of infections is recorded in Darma rural municipality with 281 cases. Other affected areas include Bagchaur municipality with 247 cases, Kumakh rural municipality with 82, Kapurkot rural municipality with 69, Salyan District Hospital with 66, and Chhatreshwori rural municipality with 51. Additionally, 11 cases were reported in Bangad Kupinde municipality, six in Triveni, three in Siddhakumakh, and two in Kalimati.
Yagya Bahadur Basnet, head of the health section at Darma rural municipality, stated that Malla tested positive for the infection on Oct. 14. He was later transferred to Nepalgunj for advanced treatment after developing respiratory complications. Health officials have urged the public to remain cautious, advising residents to wear full-body clothing, boots, and gloves when working in fields, and to keep surrounding areas clear of bushes to prevent tick bites. Symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches, or black spots at the site of a bite should be treated immediately at a health facility to avoid severe complications.
