Due to the efforts of public health officials in the 1940s, Murine typhus was almost eradicated in the United States.
However, there now appears to be a resurgence in the U.S. especially in California and Texas. Cases have been reported worldwide while recent deaths have occurred in the county of Los Angeles apparently related to murine typhus, a rare flea-borne disease is caused by the bacteria Rickettsia typhi.
Several factors are responsible such as an increase in urbanization, rising temperatures, and an abundance of stray animals and pets.
Murine typhus symptoms range from rash or fever, headache, or more severe complications such as multi-organ failure or inflammation of the heart muscle (myocarditis). The disorder is generally transmitted through bites from infected fleas, skin abrasions, or mucus membranes that harbor the feces of infected fleas.
Early Diagnosis
According to Becker’s Hospital Review, CDC researchers have been encouraging clinicians to be cognizant of patients presenting with headaches, fever, and rash when preparing their diagnosis. This is critical in areas where the disorder is endemic.
Early treatment with doxycycline and similar antibiotics generally improves outcomes. The CDC researchers are also creating awareness of murine typhus as it appears to be undiagnosed in certain areas.
