Louse-Borne Typhus

Louse-borne typhus is caused by Rickettsia prowazekii. The infection is cosmopolitan in distribution and is present wherever groups of people are crowded together under poor sanitation and malnutrition. Risk exists for persons living or working in remote areas (anthropologists, archeologists, geologists, medical personnel, missionaries). Freedom from louse infestation is the most effective protection against typhus.

Production of typhus vaccine has been discontinued throughout the world. Treatment with tetracyclines will cure typhus completely.

Risk of Louse-Borne Typhus is present in the following countries:



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