As the mites feed on humans, they deposit the bacteria. Scrub typhus occurs commonly in the southwest Pacific, southeast Asia, and Japan. It is a very common cause of illness in people living in or visiting these areas. It occurs more commonly during the wet season. The four types of typhus cause similar types of illnesses, though varying in severity.
Epidemic typhus causes fever, headache, weakness, and muscle aches.
It also causes a rash composed of both spots and bumps. The rash starts on the back, chest, and abdomen, then spreads to the arms and legs. Without treatment, this type of typhus can be fatal. Endemic typhus causes about 12 days of high fever, with chills and headache. A light rash may occur.