What is it?
A bacterial infection spread by flees, mites and lice that normally occur in overcrowded and unhygienic areas.
- Symptoms develop one to three weeks after initial exposure.
- There are several different types and all can cause serious conditions if not treated.
- The disease can lie dormant in your body and reactivate when one’s immune system is weak (weak immune system).
Prompt antibiotic treatment is required. If suspected, one should not wait for test results
- In general world regions affected are:
- Tropical Africa
- North America
- Central America
- South America
- India and Southeast Asia
Countries affected are:
North America
- United States of America (Alaska, Hawaii, Oahu, Maui)
South America
Asia
Diagnosis tests
- Indirect Immunofluorescence Assay [IFA])
- Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
- Skin biopsy with PCR or immunohistochemistry
- Confirms infection if rash/eschar is present
- Complete blood count – check for low platelets
- Liver function tests
- Inflammatory markers – check for inflammation
- C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) – not very specific
Cause
- Bacteria: Endemic typhus (tropical Africa, North America, Central America, South America)
- Caused by Rickettsia prowazekii
- Spread by rats to human via flees or by body lice
- Bacteria: Murine typhus
- Caused by Rickettsia typhi
- Spread via fleas (often from rats/cats)
- Bacteria: Scrub typhus (India and Southeast Asia)
- Caused by Orientia tsutsugamushi (related organism)
- Spread by chigger mites
- Brill–Zinsser disease
- Reactivation of prior epidemic typhus
- Usually milder
Symptoms
- High temperature greater than 38°C (100°F) or over and/or chills and sweats longer than 72 hours?
- Headache which is on and off or a constant headache longer than 24 hours?
- Aching, painful muscles, muscle cramps/spasms/stiffness?
- Dry cough longer than three weeks or breathing difficulties?
- New rash that has appeared or existing rash getting worst, (Black scab over site of bite, Scrub typhus) and wide spread blotchy pink rash?
- Irritated, depressed, anxiety and/or panic attacks?
- Balance and dizziness problems?
Complications /Information to beware of/General tips:
Medical Emergency Condition
And/or do not wait, phone for an ambulance especially if have or develop:
This condition can lead to:
- Tinnitus
- Low blood pressure
- Confusion
- General discomfort (muscle weakness), uneasiness or ill feeling (malaise) and/or fatigue (tiredness)?
- Brill-Zinsser disease (mild form of typhus)
Please talk to your healthcare professional (i.e. Medical Doctor/Pharmacist) for further advice
Detailed Information
Please copy and paste any key words from the title: Typhus in the following respective 'Medtick References and/or Sources' to find out more about the disease (this also may include diagnosis tests and generic medical treatments).
- Medical News Today
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- Medscape (Professional level)
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- Healthline
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- EveryDay Health
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- Pharmaceutical Journal (Professional level)
The Pharmaceutical Journal covers analysis, features, opinion, learning and careers articles, providing insight and knowledge about drugs, pharmacy practice, medicines use and healthcare policy in the context of the pharmacy profession and pharmaceutical science.
- NHS
Find information and advice on health conditions, symptoms, healthy living, medicines and how to get help (British National Health Service).
- WebMD
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- Cleveland Clinic
Pushing the Standards of care.
- Mayo Clinic
No.1 Hospital in the Nation (America)
- Drugs.com
Know more. Be sure.
- National Organisation of Rare Diseases
NORD is dedicated to supporting education, elevating care, advancing research, and driving policy for rare diseases.
- Verywell Health
Know more. Fell better.
- Nathnac
Travel health guidance for health professionals advising travellers and for travellers going overseas from the UK.
- DR Axe
Health and fitness news. Recipes, Natural Remedies
- Better health - NHS
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