What is typhus fever

It can be found around the world, including in the United States, but is typically found in areas of high population and poor sanitation, where conditions promote lice infestation. Alternatively known as murine typhus, this type is caused by Rickettsia typhi and is carried by the rat flea or cat flea. Endemic typhus can be found worldwide. It may be found among people in close contact with rats.

Is it a fleabite? Symptoms and treatments ». This type is caused by Orientia tsutsugamushi and carried by mites in their larval stage when they are chiggers. The louse, flea, tick , or mite becomes a carrier of the bacteria when they feed on the blood of an infected person epidemic typhus or an infected rodent any of the three typhus forms mentioned above. If you come in contact with these bacterium-carrying arthropods for example, by sleeping on bed sheets infested with lice , you can become infected in a couple ways.

The bacteria, in addition to being transmitted through your skin by their bites, can also be transmitted through their feces. If you scratch the skin over an area where lice or mites have been feeding, the bacteria in their feces can enter your bloodstream through the tiny wounds on your skin. Symptoms vary slightly by the type of typhus, but there are symptoms that are associated with all three types of typhus, such as:. The symptoms of endemic typhus last for 10 to 12 days and are very similar to the symptoms of epidemic typhus but are usually less severe.

They include:. The incubation period for the disease is five to 14 days, on average. Travelers who get typhus while traveling abroad may not experience symptoms until they are back home. This is why it is important to tell your doctor about any recent trips if you have any of the above symptoms. If you suspect that you have typhus, your doctor will ask about your symptoms and your medical history. To help with the diagnosis, tell your doctor if you:.

Delayed treatment and misdiagnosis can lead to a more severe case of typhus. Epidemics of typhus are more common in poor, unsanitary, and crowded areas.

People who are most at risk of dying are generally those who are unable to afford quick treatments. The overall mortality rate for untreated typhus depends on the type of typhus and other factors, such as age and overall health status. The highest rates are seen in the older adults and those who are malnourished. Children usually recover from typhus. Signs and symptoms may include:. Some people can remain infected, without symptoms, for years after they first get sick.

Rarely, these individuals can have a relapse in disease, called Brill-Zinsser disease, months or years following their first illness. The symptoms of Brill-Zinsser disease are similar to the original infection, but are usually milder than the initial illness.

Skip directly to site content Skip directly to page options Skip directly to A-Z link. Typhus Fevers. Section Navigation. Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Syndicate. Epidemic Typhus. Typhoid fever, on the other hand, is less common in the U. It often manifests after a patient has traveled to Asia or India. The California Department of Public Health gets reports of about 75 cases of typhoid fever in the state each year.

How are these diseases treated? Fortunately, both infections are treatable. They each respond to different types of antibiotics. How can people avoid catching these infections? You can reduce your risk of getting flea-borne typhus by avoiding contact with fleas. For example, make sure your pets are treated with flea protection.

Also, keep rodents away from your home and workplace. You can avoid typhoid fever by getting vaccinated and carefully choosing what you eat or drink when you travel to countries where typhoid fever is more common. Speak with your doctor before you travel to see if a typhoid vaccine is appropriate. Stick to bottled water and fully cooked food or fruits and vegetables that must be peeled.

Washing your hands also is important. What should people do if they develop symptoms of these diseases?