Jajarkot district in Karnali Province has confirmed 122 cases of scrub typhus between mid-July and early October 2026, as the neighboring Salyan district grapples with nine reported deaths from the disease. The rise in infections has prompted the Jajarkot District Administration Office to intensify prevention and control efforts.
According to data from the Jajarkot District Health Service Office, 122 out of 404 suspected patients tested positive for scrub typhus between mid-July and early October 2026. This represents an infection rate of approximately 30 percent. The monthly breakdown shows 19 cases in mid-July to mid-August, 56 in mid-August to mid-September, and 47 in mid-September to early October.
Nalgad Municipality recorded the highest number of infections, with 76 confirmed cases out of 203 tested. In Nalgad, 15 cases were reported in mid-July to mid-August, 27 in mid-August to mid-September, and 34 in mid-September to early October. The number of confirmed cases in Nalgad during mid-September to early October was more than double that of mid-July to mid-August.
Jajarkot District Hospital also saw an increase in cases, with 42 infections confirmed out of 193 tests over the three-month period. Currently, two scrub typhus patients are receiving treatment at the hospital.
Nationally, Nepal has confirmed 9,923 scrub typhus infections across 74 districts from January 1 to October 1, 2026, according to the Epidemiology and Disease Control Division (EDCD), Nepal’s main government body for disease control and research. Other districts with a high prevalence of cases include Dang, Salyan, Bajhang, Syangja, Bardiya, Palpa, and Sankhuwasabha. While Salyan reported nine deaths, the EDCD confirmed only seven of these were directly caused by scrub typhus as of October 4, 2026. For more details on the nationwide outbreak, read our earlier coverage: Scrub typhus outbreak: 9,923 infected nationwide, 9 deaths in Salyan.
Understanding Scrub Typhus
Scrub typhus is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Orientia tsutsugamushi. Humans contract the disease through the bite of infected chigger mites, which are commonly found in bushy and grassy areas. Health workers indicate that the risk of infection is particularly high during and after the monsoon season, typically from July to October.
Symptoms of scrub typhus include high fever, headache, body and muscle aches, extreme weakness, cough, nausea, and vomiting. Doctors also note that a black spot or lesion may appear at the site of the chigger bite. Dr. Sunil Pun, Health Service Manager at the Jajarkot District Health Service Office, emphasized the importance of timely testing and treatment. “Instead of self-medicating based on assumptions after symptoms appear, one should visit a health institution for testing and treatment,” he advised.
While scrub typhus can be cured with antibiotics if diagnosed early, delayed treatment can lead to severe complications affecting various organs, including the lungs, kidneys, and brain.
Prevention and Control Efforts
In response to the rising cases, the Jajarkot District Administration Office, chaired by Chief District Officer Navaraj Baral, has initiated preparations for prevention and control. The office has instructed all local levels, health institutions, the district hospital, and relevant stakeholders to make necessary arrangements and conduct public awareness programs.
Decisions include preparing health institutions for testing, identification, and treatment of infected individuals. Public awareness materials on scrub typhus symptoms, prevention, treatment, and control will be disseminated through radio, FM, local media, office websites, and social media. The Jajarkot District Health Service Office has been tasked with regularly updating scrub typhus infection data, collecting details from local levels, and submitting reports to the District Security Committee.
Health workers recommend wearing full-body covering clothing, using shoes and gloves when working in bushy or grassy areas, maintaining personal hygiene, and promptly seeking medical attention if fever and other symptoms appear.
The EDCD team is currently conducting an on-site study in Salyan to understand the infection status and formulate future strategies. The reason for the higher mortality rate in Salyan is also under investigation.
