What is Murine Typhus?
Cause: Murine typhus is caused by the bacteria Rickettsia typhi.
It is primarily spread through contact with infected fleas, which get the bacteria from biting infected animals like rats or cats.
Once infected, fleas remain carriers for life. When they bite humans, they can introduce the bacteria through their feces (flea dirt), which can enter wounds or be inhaled.
The disease is commonly found in coastal tropical and subtropical regions where rat populations are high.
Symptoms typically appear 3-14 days after exposure and can include:
Fever and chills, Body aches and muscle pain, Headache, Loss of appetite, Nausea and vomiting, Stomach pain, Cough, Rashes
While severe illness can occur, fatalities are rare with appropriate antibiotic treatment.
Diagnosis often involves a blood test, but treatment may start based on symptoms and potential exposure, even before confirmation.
The antibiotic doxycycline is commonly used, which helps shorten the illness duration.
There is no vaccine for murine typhus.
Preventive measures include:
Avoiding contact with fleas.
Keeping homes free of rodents and ensuring pets are flea-free.
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