infections
Epidemic Typhus
Symptoms of Epidemic Typhus
Symptoms of epidemic typhus begin suddenly about 7 to 14 days after bacteria enter the body. People have a fever and an intense headache and feel very tired. A rash appears 4 to 6 days later. The rash usually begins on the chest and spreads to the arms, and legs. Sometimes the spleen enlarges. If the infection is severe, blood pressure may become very low, the kidneys may malfunction, and gangrene and/or pneumonia may develop. Untreated, epidemic typhus may be fatal; the risk of fatality increases with age. 