Glossary of Medical and Health Terms

Typhus

Typhus is any one of several similar diseases caused by louse-borne bacteria. The name comes from the Greek typhos, meaning smoky or lazy, describing the state of mind of those affected with typhus. Rickettsia is endemic in rodent hosts, including mice and rats, and spreads to humans through mites, fleas and body lice. The arthropod vector flourishes under conditions of poor hygiene, such as those found in prisons or refugee camps, amongst the homeless, or until the middle of the 20th century, in armies in the field. In tropical countries, typhus is often mistaken for dengue fever.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Typhus

MyQuestionsMatter - helping you to ask the right health questions when discussing your medical condition with a healthcare professional.

Click here to generate a list of health questions now.