Typhus - Medtick
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Typhus

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).
  • 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

  • Chile (Easter Island)

Asia

  • Nepal
  • India
  • Thailand

Cause

  • Bacteria: Endemic typhus (tropical Africa, North America, Central America, South America)
    • Spread by rats to human via flees or by body lice
  • Bacteria: Scrub typhus (India and Southeast Asia)
    • Spread by mites

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).

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