Scrub Typhus (Tsutsugamushi Disease; Mite-Borne Typhus; Tropical Typhus) By William A Petri, Jr, MD, PhD, University of Virginia School of Medicine Reviewed / Revised Mar 2022 | Modified Sep 2022 View Patient Education Symptoms and Signs Diagnosis Treatment Prevention Key Points Topic Resources Scrub Typhus Scrub typhus is a mite-borne disease caused by Orientia tsutsugamushi (formerly Rickettsia tsutsugamushi).