1949 – Typhus and other rickettsial diseases (codes 100-103. 105-108)                    —     37

Compiled by Wayne Blanchard Sep 18, 2023 for upload to: http://www.usdeadlyevents.com/

–37  Public Health Service. Vital Statistics…[US] 1949, Part II…Mortality Data…, p. 458.

Narrative Information

CDC on Typhus: “Epidemic typhus, also called louse-borne typhus, is an uncommon disease caused by a bacteria called Rickettsia prowazekii. Epidemic typhus is spread to people through contact with infected body lice. Though epidemic typhus was responsible for millions of deaths in previous centuries, it is now considered a rare disease. Occasionally, cases continue to occur, in areas where extreme overcrowding is common and body lice can travel from one person to another.  In the United States, rare cases of epidemic typhus, called sylvatic typhus, can occur. These cases occur when people are exposed to flying squirrels and their nests.

“Symptoms of epidemic typhus begin within 2 weeks after contact with infected body lice. Signs and symptoms may include:

  • Fever and chills                      
  • Rash
  • Headache
  • Rapid breathing
  • Body and muscle aches
  • Cough
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Confusion

 

“Epidemic typhus should be treated with the antibiotic doxycycline. Doxycycline can be used in persons of any age….There is no vaccine to prevent epidemic typhus….

“Body lice thrive in areas that are overcrowded and where people aren’t able to bathe or change clothes regularly. To avoid body louse infestations:

  • Bathe regularly and change into clean clothes at least once a week.
  • Wash louse-infested clothing at least once a week. Machine wash and dry infested clothing and bedding using hot water (at least 130°F), and dry on high heat when possible. Clothing and items that are not washable can be dry-cleaned OR sealed in a plastic bag and stored for 2 weeks.
  • Do not share clothing, beds, bedding, or towels used by a person who has body lice or is infected with typhus.
  • Treat bedding, uniforms, and other clothing with permethrin. Permethrin kills lice and may provide long-lasting protection for clothing for many washings. See product information to learn how long the protection will last. If treating items yourself, follow the product instructions carefully. Do NOT use permethrin products directly on skin. They are intended to treat clothing.
  • People should avoid contact with flying squirrels and their nests.

Sources

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Epidemic Typhus. Last reviewed 1-18-2019. Accessed 8-7-2019 at: https://www.cdc.gov/typhus/epidemic/index.html)

Public Health Service, Federal Security Agency. Vital Statistics of the United States 1949. Part II, Natality and Mortality Data for the United States Tabulated by Place of Residence. Washington, DC: US Government Printing Office, 1951. Accessed 9-18-2023 at: https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/vsus/VSUS_1949_2.pdf

 

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