Murine typhus or endemic typhus is a less common and milder form of the disease. It is spread by rat or mouse fleas. Most cases in the United States occur in southern Texas and California. Scrub typhus is transmitted to humans by mites found on field mice. Timely administration of antibiotics all but eliminates fatalities, however.
Scrub typhus is common in eastern Asia.
Prevention A vaccine has been developed that can help prevent the disease in people who travel to areas where typhus occurs. These include bathing frequently, changing underclothes often, and disinfecting and washing clothing to kill lice and their eggs.