infectious diseases
Epidemic Typhus
Introduction
Epidemic typhus is caused byRickettsia prowazekii. Symptoms are prolonged high fever, intractable headache, and a maculopapular rash. (See also Overview of Rickettsial and Related Infections .) Epidemic typhus is a rickettsial disease. Humans are the natural reservoir forR. prowazekii, which is prevalent worldwide and transmitted by body lice when louse feces are scratched or rubbed into bite or other wounds (or sometimes the mucous membranes of the eyes or mouth). In the United States, humans occasionally contract epidemic typhus after contact with flying squirrels because fleas or lice on flying squirrels may be vectors. Fatalities are rare in children<10 years old, but mortality increases with age. 