scrub typhus

noun

: an acute febrile bacterial disease that is caused by a rickettsia (Orientia tsutsugamushi synonym Rickettsia tsutsugamushi) transmitted by mite larvae, resembles typhus transmitted by lice, and is widespread in the western Pacific area

called also tsutsugamushi disease

Examples of scrub typhus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Keralan sanitation workers were beset with scrub typhus, and murine typhus had infiltrated Los Angeles City Hall. Rafil Kroll-Zaidi, Harper's magazine, 10 Apr. 2019

Word History

First Known Use

1929, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of scrub typhus was in 1929

Dictionary Entries Near scrub typhus

Cite this Entry

“Scrub typhus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scrub%20typhus. Accessed 23 Dec. 2024.

Medical Definition

scrub typhus

noun
: an acute febrile disease that is caused by a rickettsial bacterium (Orientia tsutsugamushi synonym Rickettsia tsutsugamushi) transmitted by mite larvae, resembles louse-borne typhus, and is widespread in the western Pacific area

called also tsutsugamushi, tsutsugamushi disease

More from Merriam-Webster on scrub typhus

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