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What is Typhus?

Shannon Kietzman
Shannon Kietzman

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.

Epidemic typhus is caused by lice living on an individual's body.
Epidemic typhus is caused by lice living on an individual's body.

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 caused from bodily contact with fleas.
Endemic typhus is caused from bodily contact with fleas.

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.

Most common in Asia and Japan, scrub typhus is carried by mites.
Most common in Asia and Japan, scrub typhus is carried by mites.

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.

Discussion Comments

anon325850

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.

anon138595

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

anon127298

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

anon70747

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

anon59125

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

anon52255

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.

anon46727

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.

anon46667

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

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    • Epidemic typhus is caused by lice living on an individual's body.
      By: Warren Rosenberg
      Epidemic typhus is caused by lice living on an individual's body.
    • Endemic typhus is caused from bodily contact with fleas.
      By: Cosmin Manci
      Endemic typhus is caused from bodily contact with fleas.
    • Most common in Asia and Japan, scrub typhus is carried by mites.
      By: Gucio_55
      Most common in Asia and Japan, scrub typhus is carried by mites.
    • Fever is one symptom of typhus.
      By: evgenyatamanenko
      Fever is one symptom of typhus.
    • Typhus may develop into crusty scabs.
      By: ArTo
      Typhus may develop into crusty scabs.
    • Nausea can be caused by scrub typhus.
      By: ftlaudgirl
      Nausea can be caused by scrub typhus.
    • One symptom of typhus is the development of a rash.
      By: ampyang
      One symptom of typhus is the development of a rash.