Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Typhus history and symptoms
Introduction
Overview
Overview
Signs and symptoms of typhus fever usually appear abruptly, 8–16 days following exposure to infected lice. Illness can vary from mild to severe, and even life-threatening. Symptoms of acute infection are generally non-specific and include fever and chills, headache, rapid breathing, myalgia, rash, cough, nausea, vomiting and altered mental status.[1][2][3]
History
History
The significant information that needs to focused in the history of the patient includes
- History of travel to endemic areas
- History of tick bite
Symptoms
Symptoms
| Type of Typhus fever | Symptoms |
|---|---|
| Scrub typhus |
|
| Murine typhus |
|
| Epidemic typhus |
Rash
| Typhus fever | Rash |
|---|---|
| Scrub typhus | About 25–50% of scrub typhus patients develop a rash. The rash is usually macular or maculopapular. Typically, it will begin on the abdomen of an infected individual and then spread to the extremities. Petechiae are uncommon |
| Murine Typhus | The rash typically occurs at the end of the first week of the illness and lasts 1–4 days. It generally starts as a maculopapular eruption on the trunk and spreads peripherally, sparing the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. Rash may vary among individuals, or may be absent altogether and should not be relied upon for diagnosis. |
| Epidemic Typhus | The rash usually begins a couple of days after the onset of symptoms. It typically begins as a maculopapular eruption on the trunk of the body and spreads to the extremities, usually sparing the palms of hands and soles of feet. When the disease is severe, petechiae may develop. The rash may be variable among individuals and stage of infection, or may be absent altogether and should not be relied upon for diagnosis |
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]Â ; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Aditya Ganti M.B.B.S. [2]