Typhus Symptoms And Treatment

Typhus is a category of infectious diseases caused by Rickettsia bacteria. It is transmitted by body louse and fleas that consume the infected blood or faeces and spread the infection. There are two types of Rickettsia bacteria that are responsible for this disease. The typhus is classified as Murine Typhus and Endemic Typhus. Typhus is also known as war disease as it inflicted Europe during the world wars and wiped off millions of people.

This bacteria thrives on uncleanliness. The places that have lots of animals and cattle can behave as a catalyst to this disease as the animal fleas is the most effective transportation medium for this bacteria.

Various Symptoms Of Typhus

Headache & Delirium

The headache may begin as a regular mild one and increase gradually in its intensity. The person suffering from this disease is likely to suffer from confusion, lack of focus, temporary memory blocks and losing sense of time. Dizziness and losing consciousness is also reported widely by the subjects suffering from Typhus.

Fever & Chill

High fever in the range of 102 degrees to 106 degrees can be experienced. It will be coupled by extreme weakness and fatigue. The fever continues for over a week in most of the cases. It may come down immediately after taking medicines but mount up again as the affect of medicine wears off. The fever will usually run its course for 10-12 days and then begin to dip.

Muscle Ache

Just like the symptoms of any other fever, typhus also brings a bout of muscle pain and joint pain. A little movement may make you feel tired and aggravate the pain.

Diarrhoea

Persistent Nausea and vomiting are common symptoms of typhus. Loose stools and frequent bowel movement may cause further fluid loss from the body. Many adults also report constipation. In some serious cases, there may be discharge of blood stained stools

Rashes

It is one of the most important and distinct symptom of Typhus. The rash may appear on one part of the body and gradually begin to spread on the entire body. When it appears it’s light pink in colour and becomes deeper as the rash spreads. The rash spread after 4-5 days of being infected with the bacteria.

Hurting Eyes

The eyes are easily hurt by light. In fact dim light may also seem very bright in this condition. The vision may turn hazy and foggy especially in well lit spaces. There is an over all dip in the reflexes and response.

Treatment

This condition can turn fatal if not diagnosed or treated properly. In present times, there are hardly any typhus casualties. Lets get an overview of typhus treatment which begins with the tests.

Tests

Blood test and stools test are the first level of tests that confirm existence of the bacteria and level of haemoglobin in the body. Blood test will also show the number of platelets which are indicative of body’s immunity. In case of typhus the count of platelets is very low. Body’ immunity would have produced many anti-typhus antibodies in the body as a response which will also reflect in the blood tests.

Antibiotics

Complete course of Antibiotics is the only way to treat the Typhus. The natural immunity of the body takes a hit and this is the reason that these antibiotics are administered. Tetracyclines, Doxycycline or any other medicines in the same category. These have to be taken in dosage and duration prescribed by a doctor.

Home Controls

At home cold compresses can help bring the fever down. Keep your body hydrated with plenty of water and juices in case suffering from Diarrhoea. Do not expose your eyes to sun or even normal light. You can wear sunglasses or just eye flaps. Exposure to sun is good for the body in this case, but not for the eyes. Take adequate rest and eat light food that does not weigh down the digestive system.