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 or 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.