Typhus Group Rickettsiosis, Texas, USA, 2003-2013

Emerg Infect Dis. 2017 Apr;23(4):645-648. doi: 10.3201/eid2304.160958.

Abstract

We characterized the epidemiology of typhus group rickettsiosis in Texas, USA. During 2003-2013, a total of 1,762 cases were reported to the state health department. The number of diagnosed cases and geographic expansion increased over time. Physician awareness is critical to diagnose and effectively treat rickettsial infections.

Keywords: Texas; Typhus group; United States; bacteria; fleas; murine typhus; rickettsia; rickettsiosis; vector-borne infections; zoonoses.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Animals
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Ctenocephalides / microbiology
  • Disease Outbreaks
  • Disease Reservoirs / veterinary
  • Epidemiological Monitoring
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Opossums
  • Population Surveillance
  • Rats
  • Rickettsia Infections / epidemiology*
  • Rickettsia Infections / microbiology*
  • Texas / epidemiology
  • Time Factors
  • Young Adult