Murine (endemic) typhus

[Raeanne Dimick]

Murine typhus is caused by Rickettsia typhi and R. felis, which are transmitted to humans by fleas; it is clinically similar to but milder than epidemic typhus, causing chills, headache, fever, and rash.
(See also Overview of Rickettsial and Related Infections.)
Murine typhus is a rickettsial disease.
Animal reservoirs include cats, wild opossums, rats, mice, and other rodents. Rat fleas and probably cat fleas and opossum fleas transmit organisms to humans through bites. Fleas are also natural reservoirs for R. typhi; infected female fleas can transmit organisms to their progeny. Distribution is sporadic but worldwide; the incidence is low but higher in rat-infested areas.