Scrub typhus in Hong Kong

A retrospective analysis of cases of scrub typhus in military personnel in Hong Kong during the years 1979-1989 is presented. Fifty-nine cases were identified, most occurring during the hot humid season between May and October. Few civilian cases of scrub typhus are notified to the Hong Kong Medical and Health Department and possible reasons for the disparity in case numbers between military and civilian personnel are discussed. Reports from other areas of South-east Asia have documented a previously unrecognized high incidence of scrub typhus in the indigenous population. It is suggested that a prospective study utilizing specific serological diagnostic techniques would be of value in assessing the importance of scrub typhus as a cause of 'fever of undetermined origin' in the civilian population of Hong Kong.