Typhus

Any of a group of infectious diseases with similar symptoms that are caused by rickettsiae and are spread by insects or similar animals. Except in some highland areas of tropical Africa and South America, epidemic typhus is rare today. Endemic typhus, also called murine typhus, is a disease of rats that is occasionally spread to humans by fleas; sporadic cases occur in North and Central America. Scrub typhus is spread by mites and occurs in India and Southeast Asia. The symptoms and complications of all types of typhus are similar. Severe headache, back and limb pain, coughing, and constipation develop suddenly and are followed by high fever, a measles-like rash, confusion, and prostration. Left untreated, the condition may be fatal, especially in elderly or debilitated people. A diagnosis is made by blood tests, and treatment is with antibiotic drugs and supportive treatment.