Menu Healthy Lifestyle Diseases & Conditions First Aid Symptoms Tests & Procedures Videos Definitions FAQs TyphusUpdated: 2019-11-20OverviewTyphus is a disease caused by certain bacteria spread by lice or fleas, usually from rats.SymptomsSymptoms include severe headache, chills, high fever, confusion, delirium and a rash.TreatmentsTreatment includes antibiotics and fluids. Prevention involves treating lice infestations and avoiding areas with a rat population. © 1998-2022 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research(MFMER). All rights reserved. Terms of Use