MURINE TYPHUS- KNOW ALL ABOUT THE RARE FLEA-BORNE DISEASE
Published By Aiman Mateen | 16 Oct, 2024
Murine typhus is a flea-borne infection causing fever and aches, treatable with antibiotics but without a vaccine.
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Here are some pointers to know about this bacterial infection
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Murine Typhus Cause
It is an infectious disease caused by the flea-borne bacteria Rickettsia typhi, transmitted through bites of infected fleas, often from rats or small mammals.
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Murine Typhus Case in India
A 75-year-old man from Kerala has been diagnosed with murine typhus after recently traveling to Vietnam and Cambodia, marking the state's first case of this rare bacterial disease.
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Cases in India
It is an infectious disease caused by the flea-borne bacteria Rickettsia typhi, transmitted through bites of infected fleas, often from rats or small mammals.
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Transmission
The disease spreads when infected flea feces come into contact with cuts or scrapes on human skin; it cannot spread from person to person.
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Symptoms
Symptoms appear 7-14 days after exposure and include fever, headaches, body aches, nausea, vomiting, and sometimes a rash that develops later.
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Treatment
The antibiotic doxycycline is effective, but early diagnosis is crucial to prevent severe complications. No vaccine exists.
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Prevention
Prevent flea infestations by keeping pets and homes clean, managing rodent populations, and ensuring food is securely stored.