Transmitted via infected trombiculid mite larvae hosted by small mammals, scrub typhus has seen major outbreaks in the Darjeeling-Sikkim Himalaya in 2004 and 2014. Despite its impact, there remains a limited understanding of scrub typhus outbreaks in this region. 

Our project, implemented through ATREE’s SM Sehgal Foundation Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation, focuses on One Health approach that integrates human, animal and environmental health. It is located in Sikkim and West Bengal (Darjeeling). The project involves investigating the distribution of small mammals that serve as reservoir hosts, studying the larval infestation of trombiculid mites in these mammals to assess disease prevalence, identifying behavioural, ecological and environmental risk factors associated with scrub typhus, and engaging with local communities to support disease surveillance and promote preventive practices.