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Typhus fever was once a feared and dangerous disease that killed millions of people. The condition develops because of a group of rare bacterial infections that an individual contracts after being bitten by an infected insect. Although now considered rare, those living in close spaces and crowded conditions are still vulnerable to developing the disease. Presently, almost 1 billion people in endemic areas are at risk for contracting scrub typhus, with one million new infections occurring annually.1 The blog below outlines the symptoms, causes, and treatment for typhus disease.
Synopsis
What is typhus?
Typhus fever, or typhus, is an infectious disease caused by Rickettsia bacteria. The bacteria were first discovered in Brazil in 1916. Individuals living in crowded places or unhygienic conditions are at the highest risk of developing the disease.
Types of typhus fever
There are three types of typhus:
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Murine Typhus: Also known as endemic typhus, it exists in many parts of the world. Spread through fleas, this type is considered milder than other forms.
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Epidemic Typhus: Epidemic or sylvatic typhus is found in parts of Africa, Central America, and South America. Body lice are responsible for spreading this type of typhus.
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Scrub Typhus: This form of typhus exists in rural areas of Southeast and East Asia, the Pacific Islands, Australia, and Russia. The scrub typhus is spread through Chiggers.
Typhus fever symptoms
Common symptoms of typhus are:
Headache
Nausea and vomiting
Cough
Skin rash
Flu-like symptoms (high fever, chills, muscle aches)
Digestive issues
Rapid breathing
Confusion
Swollen lymph nodes
Seizures
Coma
Depending on the type of typhus one suffers from, specific symptoms can vary. For instance, individuals with scrub typhus notice dark scabs or bites (eschar) developing on the skin and swollen lymph nodes, whereas murine typhus causes loss of appetite.
Most individuals infected with the bacteria develop symptoms within 1 to 2 weeks of exposure, making it difficult to track the origin of the infection. Those with weak immune systems can notice symptoms reappear months or years following the initial infection. This re-infection is termed Brill-Zinsser disease.
Causes
Different subspecies of Rickettsia bacteria spread typhus fever. These bacteria acquire infection from biting infected persons or animals and continue to transfer the infection through their bite. For instance,
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Rickettsia typhi causes murine typhus
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Rickettsia prowazekki causes epidemic typhus
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Orientia tsutsugamushi causes scrub typhus
Risk factors
Individuals who are likely to develop typhus are:
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Those travelling to a region where typhus is common
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Spending time in crowded places, near animals, or those with poor hygiene
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Exposed to fleas from pets or wild animals
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Have contracted body lice
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Recently hiked or camped in an area where chiggers live
Treatment
Doxycycline, an antibiotic, is the treatment for all three forms of typhus. Most individuals who begin antibiotic treatment recover quickly. The antibiotic course runs for 7 to 10 days; however, some individuals may require a longer duration of treatment. Individuals with other health conditions or pregnancy may be prescribed a different antibiotic, such as ciprofloxacin. If untreated, typhus fever can become severe and have serious complications.
Complications of typhus
Some of the complications include:
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Blood clots
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Facial paralysis
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Enlarged spleen
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Hearing loss
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Meningitis
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Gangrene
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Myocarditis
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Pneumonia
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Respiratory failure
Prevention
Currently, there are no known vaccines or means to prevent typhus. However, travellers can follow these measures to reduce their risk.
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Cover as much skin as possible with full sleeves, long pants, and socks.
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Avoid wearing the same clothing every day. This is true when an individual lives in closed spaces or when exposed to typhus-causing bacteria.
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Wash and sanitise clothes that have come in contact with chiggers, fleas, and lice. You can either wash clothes at a temperature of at least 130°F or seal the clothes in a plastic bag for 2 weeks.
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Areas with dense brush are more likely to host chiggers. Therefore, avoid travelling to these areas.
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Use bug spray to repel fleas and chiggers when outside
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Don’t share clothing, bedding, or personal items with others
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Keep far from wild animals that carry typhus
When to see a doctor?
If an individual develops symptoms of typhus and has a history of travel or is suspected of having the infection, they may consult a doctor. The following at-risk groups may also have to consult a doctor:
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If the individual experiencing the symptom is an infant, an elderly person, or someone with a weakened immune system
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Has cold or flu-like symptoms that do not resolve
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If antibiotic treatment does not resolve typhus fever symptoms
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New symptoms develop after taking antibiotics for typhus
You may have to go to the emergency room if you experience the following symptoms:
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High fever
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Difficulty breathing
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Seizures
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Confusion or mental changes
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Extreme tiredness or weakness
Conclusion
Typhus, which was once a deadly disease, is now treatable with antibiotics. If you suspect you have typhus or have developed typhus fever symptoms, it is important to get treatment right away. Contact Manipal Hospitals, Bhubaneswar, for more details.
FAQ's
Typhus fever is caused by bacteria from the Rickettsia family, transmitted through fleas, lice, and mites.
Typhus is not a contagious disease that spreads from person to person. However, those residing in areas with active typhus outbreaks are at risk of developing the condition.
Typhus and typhoid bacteria are different diseases with different causes, modes of spread, and treatments. It spreads by Rickettsia bacteria, while typhoid fever spreads by Salmonella bacteria.
Blood tests can demonstrate antibodies against the bacteria that cause the disease and confirm the presence of infection. Other tests to determine the genetic material of bacteria in blood or tissues are also available.
You can schedule an appointment with an Infectious Disease Specialist at Manipal Hospitals, Bhubaneswar, by contacting us or visiting our website.
Visit: https://www.manipalhospitals.com/bhubaneswar/specialities/infectious-disease/
Contact no: 0674 666 6600
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