COMMUNICABLE DISEASE

COMMUNICABLE DISEASE*TYPHUS* DEFINITION infection disease that are caused by Rickettsia organisms. an acute febrile illness. ETIOLOGY caused by Rickettsia bacteria. cannot survive for long outside living cell.

PATHOPHYSIOLOGY A Rickettsia bites a human

caused a pruritic reaction on skin

host scratches the site, the lice are crushed and bite the wound

the Rickettsia travel to the blood stream INCUBATION PERIOD 12 days for the typhusMODE OF TRANSMISSION transmitted by body lice to new human host . SIGN & SYMPTOM Chills bad cough high fever (40 degree) joint pain low Blood Pressure rashes photophobia(sensitivity to light) severe headache enlargement of lymphatic glandspleenomegaly RISK FACTOR low immunity malnutrition incomplete antibiotic therapy INVESTIGATION complete blood count (CBC) may show a low white blood cell count, anemia, and low platelet. LFT may show low albumin levels. skin biopsy specimen can be used to diagnose the condition. TREATMENT Antibiotic : Doxycycline(doryx,vibramycin) Chloramphenicol. Tetracycline Azithromycin PREVENTION avoid overcrowding. wear protective clothing ( long sleeved shirts , long pants) in endemic areas. practice good personal hygiene including frequent bathing and frequent changing of clothes.