Definition & Meaning of "typhus"

What is "typhus"?

Typhus is a group of infectious diseases caused by a type bacteria. It is typically spread to humans through the bite of infected fleas, lice, or ticks. Symptoms of typhus may include high fever, headache, rash, muscle aches, and sometimes confusion. There are different types of typhus, including murine typhus, spread by fleas, and epidemic typhus, spread by body lice. Treatment usually involves antibiotics, and prevention measures include controlling the populations of fleas, lice, and ticks, practicing good hygiene, and avoiding areas where typhus is common.