Epidemic typhus

Epidemic typhus is caused by the organism Rickettsia prowowazekii. Epidemic typhus is passed from person to person by the body louse. Outbreaks of epidemic typhus are rare except during periods when normal hygiene is disrupted, as in refugee camps arising from wars or natural disasters. It also occurs in some populations living in higher elevations during the colder months when louse-infested clothing is not laundered and person-to-person spread of lice is common.

Occurrence: Foci of epidemic typhus exist in impoverished and dislocated populations in the highlands of some parts of Africa and South America, but travellers are rarely at risk of acquiring lice and disease.

Manifestations: One week after infection the disease is characterised by:

• Fewer
• Headache
• Illness
• Rash after about five days of the disease
• Death if untreated in the second week caused by kidney failure.

Diagnose and treatment: Treatment is available with antibiotics with good results.

Prevent epidemic typhus by:

• use of repellents
• protective clothing when exposed
• prompt detection and removal of arthropods on clothing and skin
• Attention to hygiene.
• use of bednets