Scrub typhus infections in relation to traditional agricultural practices and food habits in Mizoram, North East India

Lalfakzuala Pautu, Vanramliana, Hunropuia , Gabriel Rosangkima, Vanlawmpuii Ralte, Mary Lalramchuani, Vanlalruatkima Chinzah, Ramdinmawia

Science Vision 25 (1), 3-9 | Published on 27 August 2025 | 10.33493/scivis.25.01.02

Abstract

Scrub typhus, a disease caused by Orientia tsutsugamushi, is transmitted by trombiculid mites (Leptotrombidium spp.) and is primarily reported in the Asia-Pacific region. These mites act as both vectors and reservoirs. Small mammals, especially rodents, are important in the disease cycle as hosts for infected mites. In Mizoram, Northeast India, traditional slash-and-burn agriculture (jhum cultivation) is a widespread practice and may influence disease patterns. This study analyzed scrub typhus data from 2018 to 2022 to assess the correlation between jhum cultivation and scrub typhus infections, focusing on infected farmers. Over five years, 9,799 farmers were diagnosed with scrub typhus, making up nearly 50% of all reported cases across seven occupational groups. The highest number of cases occurred in 2022 (3,045), followed by 2019 (2,716). Of the infected farmers, 25 (0.25%) succumbed to the disease. Seasonally, infections peaked during the monsoon (33.56%), followed by post-monsoon (26.19%), winter (21.57%), and summer (18.25%). The data suggest a strong link between the seasonal intensity of jhum cultivation and increased scrub typhus infections among farmers, indicating that traditional agricultural practices may contribute significantly to disease transmission in the region.

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