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Murine Typhus Fever

Murine Typhus Fever

Description
  • Rickettsia typhi that are carried by rat fleas
Location
  • Gulf Coast states and southern California
Cause
  • Fever caused by bite from rat fleas
Symptoms
  • Abdominal pain
  • Backache
  • Dull red rash beginning on middle of back
  • Extremely high fever lasting up to 2 weeks
  • Dry cough
  • Headache
  • Joint pain
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
     
Treatment
  • Seek medical attention from a physician
PreventioN
  • Bathing
  • Boiling clothes
  • Avoiding infested clothing for five days
     
Other Facts
  • Organism enters the bloodstream when feces are scratched or rubbed into a flea-bite wound or other breaks in the skin.