Typhus
Overview
Typhus is an infection spread by lice, fleas or mites. It's very rare in the UK. It can be serious, but most people make a full recovery if treated quickly.
Symptoms
Symptoms of typhus include: a high temperatureheadachea rash, which may be harder to see on black or brown skinfeeling sick or being sickfeeling generally unwell
Treatment
If a doctor thinks you could have typhus, they'll usually suggest a blood test or skinbiopsy. Antibiotics are used to treat a typhus infection. They're usually started before you get your test result, as this can take up to a week. Most people start to feel better within 48 hours of starting treatment. It's important to keep taking your antibiotics until they're finished, even if you feel better. People with severe typhus may need to be treated in hospital.