Typhus is a bacterial infection caused by Rickettsiae, transmitted to humans by infected insects. The main types are epidemic, Brill-Zinsser, endemic, and scrub typhus. Epidemic typhus is caused by body lice and symptoms include fever, rash, and weakness. Brill-Zinsser is a reactivation of a previous typhoid infection. Endemic typhus is transmitted by fleas and is most common in warm coastal regions. Scrub typhus is carried by chiggers or mites and is prevalent in Southeast Asia and Japan. Symptoms include headache, fever, body aches, and rash.
Typhus is an umbrella term used to describe a variety of conditions caused by bacteria of the genus Rickettsiae. Although there are several forms, the main types are epidemic typhus, Brill-Zinsser disease, murine or endemic typhus, and spot typhus. Each form is transmitted to humans through infected insects.
Epidemic typhus, also called Ricettisa prowazekii, is caused by contact with body lice. While living on a person’s body, lice defecate. This feces contains the bacteria that cause the disease. When the person scratches the wounds caused by the lice, the faeces are rubbed on the wounds. This disease typically affects large groups of people, as lice spread quickly in areas where people are crowded and unable to bathe regularly.
Symptoms of epidemic typhus include headache, fever, body aches, and weakness. A rash of bumps and spots may also develop. This rash starts on the chest, back and abdomen and spreads to the legs and arms. The brain or heart muscle can also swell in extreme cases and can be fatal if left untreated.
Brill-Zinsser disease is actually a reactivation of a previous typhoid infection when a person’s immune system is weakened. This can occur as a complication of a disease, surgery, or simply increasing age. Typically, this form affects individuals years after they have overcome epidemic typhus and is quite mild. Symptoms include a week-long fever and a mild rash.
Endemic typhus is transmitted to humans by fleas. Similar to epidemic typhus, the flea defecates and the person scratches it in the wound. This form is most common in warm coastal regions, such as California and Texas in the United States. It typically causes a fever that lasts about 12 days and is accompanied by headache and chills. In some cases, a mild rash may also develop.
Scrub typhus is carried by chiggers or mites. As these insects feed on a human, they deposit the bacteria in the skin. This type is most prevalent in Southeast Asia and Japan, particularly during the rainy season. Scrub typhus is one of the most common causes of illness for people visiting these regions. The main symptoms include headache, fever, body aches and pains, abdominal pain, cough, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. Some sufferers also develop a flat or bumpy rash with blotches that turn into crusty crusts.
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