In the past, typhus killed millions of people. Today, the disease is rare due to improvements in healthcare and sanitation. Nonetheless, people who live in close quarters and crowded conditions remain more vulnerable to typhus. This article outlines the causes and symptoms of typhus. We also discuss the risk factors for contracting typhus, as well as the treatment options available. Typhus is a bacterial infection that a person can acquire when they come into contact with infected insects.
The insect contracts the infection by biting an infected person or animal. The insects spread the infection by biting another person or animal. Different insects spread different types of typhus. Examples include:. In most cases, symptoms begin within 1 to 2 weeks of exposure to an infected insect. This can make it difficult to trace the original cause of the infection. Different types of typhus also cause specific symptoms. People who have scrub typhus may notice a dark scab or bite on the skin and may develop swollen lymph nodes.
People with murine typhus may experience a loss of appetite. In some people, especially those with weak immune systems, the symptoms of typhus reappear months or even years following the initial infection.
Doctors call this Brill-Zinsser disease. 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.
The incubation period for the disease is five to 14 days, on average. Travelers who get typhus while traveling abroad may not experience symptoms until they are back home. This is why it is important to tell your doctor about any recent trips if you have any of the above symptoms. If you suspect that you have typhus, your doctor will ask about your symptoms and your medical history.
To help with the diagnosis, tell your doctor if you:. Delayed treatment and misdiagnosis can lead to a more severe case of typhus. Epidemics of typhus are more common in poor, unsanitary, and crowded areas. People who are most at risk of dying are generally those who are unable to afford quick treatments.
The overall mortality rate for untreated typhus depends on the type of typhus and other factors, such as age and overall health status. The highest rates are seen in the older adults and those who are malnourished. Children usually recover from typhus.
People with underlying diseases such as diabetes mellitus , alcoholism , or chronic renal disorders also have a higher risk of mortality. Mortality for epidemic typhus that goes untreated can range from 10 to 60 percent, and mortality from untreated scrub typhus can range up to 30 percent. Read more: Nutritional deficiencies malnutrition ». Death occurs in no more than 4 percent of cases, according to an article in Clinical Infectious Diseases.
During World War II, a vaccine was created to prevent epidemic typhus. However, the shrinking number of cases has stopped the manufacture of the vaccine.
The easiest way to prevent typhus is by avoiding the pests that spread it. Use tick, mite, and insect repellant. You might associate fleas with your pets, but they feast on humans too. Learn how to recognize fleabites, how to treat them, and how to get rid of the…. Rocky Mountain spotted fever is most often seen in the southeastern United States. Here's what you need to know to prevent this tick-borne disease. Hypovolemic shock is a life-threatening condition that results when you lose more than 20 percent of your body's blood or fluid supply, preventing the….
Abdominal pain can be sharp, dull, or burning. 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.
Antibiotics are used to treat the infection. They're usually started before you get your test result, as this can take up to a week. Most people start to feel better within 48 hours of starting treatment. It's important to keep taking your antibiotics until they're finished, even if you feel better. Page last reviewed: 05 October Next review due: 05 October
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