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Murine typhus; Epidemic typhus; Endemic typhus; Brill-Zinsser disease; Jail fever
Treatment includes antibiotics such as:
Tetracycline taken by mouth can permanently stain teeth that are still forming. It is usually not prescribed for children until after all of their permanent teeth have grown in.
Patients with epidemic typhus may need intravenous fluids and oxygen.
Without treatment, death may occur in 10 - 60% of patients with epidemic typhus. Patients over age 60 have the highest risk of death. Patients who receive treatment quickly should completely recover.
Less than 2% of untreated patients with murine typhus may die. Prompt antibiotic treatment will cure nearly all patients.
Call your health care provider if you develop symptoms of typhus. This serious disorder can require emergency care.
Bechah Y, Capo C, Mege JL, Raoult D. Epidemic typhus. Lancet Infect Dis. 2008;8:417-426.
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