Murine typhus facts for kids

Murine typhus is a disease that can make people feel very sick. It is also known as endemic typhus. This illness is caused by tiny germs called bacteria. These bacteria are spread to humans by fleas.

Sometimes, doctors might think murine typhus is a common viral infection because the symptoms can seem similar. However, it is a bacterial infection. Luckily, it can be treated with special medicines called antibiotics. Most people who get murine typhus recover completely.

What is Murine Typhus?

Murine typhus is a type of typhus fever. It is caused by a specific type of bacteria called Rickettsia typhi. This bacteria lives inside small animals like rats and opossums. These animals do not usually get sick from the bacteria.

How Does it Spread?

The bacteria that cause murine typhus are carried by fleas. When a flea bites an infected animal, it picks up the bacteria. If that flea then bites a human, it can pass the bacteria to them. The bacteria usually enter the body through the flea bite or if someone scratches the bite and rubs flea dirt into the wound. It is not spread directly from person to person.

What Are the Symptoms?

If you get murine typhus, symptoms usually start about one to two weeks after you are bitten by an infected flea. The symptoms can come on slowly.

Common symptoms include:

• fever
• A bad headache
• Muscle pain
• Feeling sick to your stomach (nausea)
• Vomiting
• A cough

Some people might also get a rash a few days after their fever starts. The rash often begins on the trunk of the body and spreads to the arms and legs. While most people get better, the illness can be more serious for older adults or those with other health problems.

How is Murine Typhus Treated?

Murine typhus is treated with antibiotics. These medicines help to kill the bacteria causing the infection. It is important to start treatment as soon as possible. If treated early, most people recover well and quickly. Without treatment, the illness can become more severe.

How Can You Prevent It?

Preventing murine typhus means avoiding flea bites and reducing the number of fleas and their animal hosts around your home.

Here are some ways to help prevent it:

• Keep your home and yard clean to discourage rodents like rats.
• Seal up holes in your house to prevent rodents from entering.
• Use flea control products on your pets, especially if they spend time outdoors.
• Avoid contact with wild animals that might carry fleas.
• If you are in an area where fleas are common, wear long pants and sleeves.