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Flea-borne Typhus

Flea-borne Typhus ICD-9 081; ICD-10 A75 (Murine Typhus, Endemic Typhus)

Flea-borne Typhus, (Murine Typhus, Endemic Typhus)

Flea-borne (also known as “murine” or “endemic”) typhus is a rickettsial disease caused by Rickettsia typhi. Infected fleas carried by rats, opossums, cats, dogs, and other small mammals can spread these bacteria. The disease is like louse-borne typhus (R. prowazekii) but is generally milder. Disease onset is often sudden, and symptoms may include fever, headache, chills, weakness, nausea/vomiting, body aches, and rash. Flea-borne typhus can be a serious disease and can result in hospitalization. This is more likely with delayed diagnosis and treatment.  

General Information and Resources

Mailing Address

Department of State Health Services
Zoonosis Control Branch
PO BOX 149347 - Mail Code: 1956
Austin, TX 78714-9347
United States

Physical Address

Department of State Health Services
Zoonosis Control Branch
1100 W. 49th Street, Suite T-502
Austin, TX 78756-3199
United States