We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Conditions

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is Typhus?

By Shannon Kietzman
Updated: Mar 03, 2024
Views: 67,874
Share

Typhus is an umbrella term used to describe a variety of conditions caused by bacteria in the Rickettsiae genus. Although there are several forms, the main types are epidemic typhus, Brill-Zinsser disease, murine or endemic typhus, and scrub typhus. Every form is passed on to humans through infected insects.

Epidemic typhus, also called Rickettisa prowazekii, is caused by contact with body lice. While living on a person’s body, the lice defecate. These feces contain the bacteria that cause the disease. When the person scratches the wounds caused by the lice, the feces are rubbed into 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, muscle aches, and weakness. A rash of bumps and spots may also develop. This rash begins on the chest, back, and abdomen and spreads to the legs and arms. The brain or heart muscle may also swell in extreme cases, and it may be fatal if left untreated.

Brill-Zinsser disease is actually a reactivation of a previous typhus infection when a person’s immune system is weakened. This may occur as a complication of illness, surgery, or simply increasing age. Typically, this form affects individuals years after having overcome epidemic typhus and is quite mild. Symptoms include a week-long fever and a light rash.

Endemic typhus is passed on to humans by fleas. Similar to epidemic typhus, the flea defecates and the person scratches it into 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 for about 12 days and is accompanied by a headache and chills. In some cases, a light 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 prominent in southeast Asia and Japan, particularly during the wet season. Scrub typhus is one of the most common causes of illness for people visiting these regions. The primary symptoms include headache, fever, muscle pains and aches, abdominal pain, cough, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. Some sufferers also develop a flat or bumpy rash with spots that develop into crusty scabs.

Share
The Health Board is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Discussion Comments
By anon325850 — On Mar 18, 2013

I don't want to sound mean but I'm 12 and I'm doing this for a project and I understand all of the words. Also this disease was very common in the concentration camps so many people died from it and it is possible Anne Frank died from it but there is no way to prove it. Also the disease that paralyzes people is Paulo, which the fastest women in the world suffered from when she was young. If any of that offended people, sorry, I didn't mean to.

By anon138595 — On Jan 01, 2011

So Anne Frank died of this sickness called typhus? that is so sad.

By anon127298 — On Nov 15, 2010

i read this book and it said that typhus could kill you when you eat too much. is that true?

By anon70747 — On Mar 16, 2010

i heard of a disease called typhus but it stunts your growth.Anyone Know the full definition for that type of typhus?

By anon59125 — On Jan 06, 2010

Ask your teacher or parent to explain the words you don't understand.

By anon52255 — On Nov 12, 2009

typhus is also caused by fleas, and i am also confused. im 12 and this is for a school project. i checked the dictionary, but it kept on leading to more words.

By anon46727 — On Sep 28, 2009

Charlie, at the risk of sounding a little mean, that's what dictionaries are for! If you find a word you don't know, look it up in the dictionary. That's how you learn new words and expand your vocabulary.

By anon46667 — On Sep 28, 2009

well i am 12 years old and i don't uderstand all those big long words. So can you put all this information in children's words because it would be helpful for my homework. thanks. -- charlie

Share
https://www.thehealthboard.com/what-is-typhus.htm
Copy this link
The Health Board, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

The Health Board, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.