Cardiac Involvement in Scrub Typhus: A Case Series from NAMS Bir Hospital

Introduction: Scrub typhus is an acute febrile illness caused by Orientia tsutsugamushi, transmitted by chigger mites. Cardiac involvement is a recognized but underreported complication. We report a series of patients with scrub typhus complicated by cardiac manifestations. Case Series: Five patients (age 18–65 years) with confirmed scrub typhus (Weil-Felix positive, IgM ELISA) presenting with cardiac involvement were identified over a 24-month period. Manifestations included myocarditis (n=3), pericarditis (n=1), and arrhythmia (n=1). All received doxycycline with clinical improvement. Two patients required temporary cardiac monitoring. Conclusion: Cardiac complications of scrub typhus are clinically significant. A high index of suspicion and early doxycycline therapy are life-saving.