Fleas, mites, lice, and ticks are types of invertebrate animals known as arthropods. When arthropods carrying around rickettsial bacteria bite someone, they transmit the bacteria that causes typhus. Scratching the bite further opens the skin and allows the bacteria greater access to the bloodstream. Once in the bloodstream, the bacteria continue to reproduce and grow. The type of typhus you are infected with depends on what bit you.
Arthropods are typically carriers of a typhus strain unique to their species. Typhus outbreaks usually only occur in developing countries or in regions of poverty, poor sanitation, and close human contact. Typhus is generally not a problem in the United States, but you may become infected while traveling abroad.
Typhus is not transmitted from person to person like a cold or the flu. There are three different types of typhus, and each type is caused by a different type of bacterium and transmitted by a different type of arthropod.
This type is caused by Rickettsia prowazekii and carried by the body louse , and possibly by ticks as well. 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. A person who has symptoms of typhus after a previous infection should notify their doctor. The antibiotic doxycycline can treat all three forms of typhus. People who begin antibiotic treatment promptly usually recover quickly. Most people need to take antibiotics for 7 to 10 days , though some may require a longer course of treatment.
People who develop symptoms of typhus and have one or more risk factors for the disease should see a doctor. It is important to tell the doctor about all symptoms and any specific risk factors for typhus.
This disease mimics the symptoms of other viral illnesses, such as the common cold and flu. There are currently no vaccines to prevent typhus, and there is no other way to guarantee its prevention. However, the following steps may reduce the risk of contracting typhus, particularly when traveling:.
Typhus infection is rare, even among people who travel to areas where the disease is more prevalent. Cold or flu-like symptoms usually signal a viral illness. However, a person who has recently traveled or who believes they are at risk of typhus should see a doctor right away.
It is essential to see a doctor in the following cases:. Although they sound similar, typhus and typhoid are different diseases. Like typhus, typhoid is a bacterial infection. People get typhoid from contact with a type of salmonella bacteria that are present in contaminated food and water.
Typhus is mainly a problem in parts of Africa, South America and Asia where living standards and hygiene levels are poor, especially in:. Check your travel insurance for how to get medical help while you're away, or check the health information and advice for the country you're visiting on GOV. It's important to get diagnosed early so treatment can be started as soon as possible.
If typhus is not treated quickly, it can sometimes be life threatening. You may have a blood test or skin biopsy to check if you have typhus. Flea-borne typhus occurs in tropical and subtropical climates around the world including areas of the United States southern California, Hawaii, and Texas.
Flea-borne typhus is a rare disease in the United States. Symptoms of flea-borne typhus begin within 2 weeks after contact with infected fleas or flea dirt. However, people may not know they have been bitten by a flea or exposed to flea dirt so tell your healthcare provider about time spent outdoors or contact with animals.
Signs and symptoms may include:. Severe illness is rare and most people recover completely, sometimes without treatment. Untreated disease can cause severe illness and damage to one or more organs, including the liver, kidneys, heart, lungs, and brain.
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