Scrub Typhus in the Republic of Palau, Micronesia

Abstract

In October 2001, an outbreak of febrile illness began in the southwest islands group of the Republic of Palau. Through October 2003, a total of 15 southwest islanders experienced fever >39.5 degrees C and abdominal distress, both lasting >7 days. Orientia tsutsugamushi, the agent of scrub typhus, was subsequently identified as the cause.