NEWS – Kerala Man Infected with Murine Typhus

HIGHLIGHTS

• An infectious disease caused by the flea-borne bacteria Rickettsia typhi.

How Does Murine Typhus Spread?

• Mechanism: Infection occurs when flea feces come into contact with cuts or mucous membranes.
• Transmission Characteristics:
  • Not spread person-to-person.
  • Common in coastal tropical and subtropical regions with rodent prevalence.
  • Reported in Northeast India, Madhya Pradesh, and Kashmir.

Symptoms of Murine Typhus

• Onset: Symptoms appear 7 to 14 days post-exposure.
• Common Symptoms:
  • Fever
  • Headaches
  • Body aches
  • Joint pains
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Stomach aches
• Rashes: May develop days after initial symptoms.
• Duration: Illness lasts up to two weeks; complications can extend for months if untreated.

Treatment for Murine Typhus

• Vaccine Status: No vaccine currently available.
• Effective Medication: Antibiotic doxycycline is the recommended treatment.
• Importance of Early Diagnosis: Timely treatment is crucial to prevent severe outcomes.

Prevention of Murine Typhus

• Pet Care:
  • Regular washing of pets to keep fleas off.
  • Awareness of signs of fleas.
• Flea Treatment: Should be administered as needed to prevent infestation.