Typhus fevers are a group of diseases brought on by rickettsia bacteria infection.
Typhus is transferred to humans by an infected animal.
Typical carriers include fleas, mites, and lice.
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Although the disease is more common in underdeveloped areas, it can be found all over the world.
Symptoms can include high fever, chills, body aches, rash, and cough.
Each throw in of typhus presents itself differently.
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The bacterium depends entirely on rodents for its lifecycle.
The bacteria live in the gut of the flea and are excreted in flea feces.
When these living bacteria enter the bloodstream of a mammal, infection occurs.
The specific bacteria that causes this pop in of typhus is called theRickettsia prowazekii.
It is generally transmitted to lice when they feed on infected hosts.
Cases in the U.S. have been attributed to flying squirrel populations.
The bacteria survive in the feces of lice and are usually spread when fecal matter enters the human bloodstream.
Epidemic typhus can also be spread via inhalation.
Scrub typhus can be contracted when the insects feed on a host or through fecal intrusion into the bloodstream.
Also known as tsutsugamushi disease, this infection can be severe and potentially fatal.
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Symptoms
The symptoms of typhus may vary depending on the bang out of bacteria.
If you have symptoms and have had possible exposure to the bacteria, you may need diagnostic testing.
Typhus is spread by insects, while typhoid is a foodborne illness brought on by the bacteriumSalmonella Typhi.
Treatment
All forms of typhus are treated with antibiotics.
For those who get prompt treatment, typhus is generally curable.
There have been instances of the illness returning years after the initial infection took place.
This condition is known as Brill-Zinsser disease.
If you have pets, keep them away from rodents or other animals that may spread fleas or mites.
There are three different types, including murine typhus, epidemic typhus, and scrub typhus.
Typhus can cause a range of symptoms including high fever, chills, and body aches.
Most people who receive prompt treatment with antibiotics will recover from a typhus infection.
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