Murine typhus

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Murine Typhus (myoo-reen tahy-fuh s) is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Rickettsia typhi. It is also known as endemic typhus fever, jail fever, or flea-borne typhus.

Etymology

The term "Murine" is derived from the Latin word murinus, which means "of mice". "Typhus" comes from the Greek typhos, meaning "smoky" or "hazy", which describes the state of mind of those affected by the disease.

Causes

Murine typhus is primarily transmitted by the Oriental rat flea (Xenopsylla cheopis), which is often found on rats. Humans can contract the disease when they come into contact with the flea's feces through a cut or scratch, or when they inadvertently rub it into their eyes or mouth.

Symptoms

The symptoms of murine typhus typically appear within 1 to 2 weeks after exposure to the bacteria. They may include fever, headache, muscle pain, nausea, vomiting, and a rash.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of murine typhus is often based on the patient's symptoms and a history of possible exposure to fleas. Laboratory tests can also be used to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment for murine typhus typically involves antibiotics, such as Doxycycline or Chloramphenicol. With prompt treatment, most people recover fully.

Prevention

Prevention of murine typhus primarily involves controlling rat populations and avoiding contact with fleas.

See also

External links

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