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04:47
A Model for Experimental Exposure of Humans to Larval Ixodes scapularis Ticks
Published on: December 1, 2023
Murine typhus in Austin, Texas, USA, 2008
Jennifer Adjemian1, Sharyn Parks, Kristina McElroy
1Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA. jadjemian@bop.gov
Emerging Infectious Diseases
|March 6, 2010
Summary
An investigation confirmed Rickettsia typhi as the cause of a febrile rash illness outbreak in Austin. Opossums and domestic animals showed antibodies, suggesting they may be reservoirs for murine typhus.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology
- Veterinary Medicine
Background:
- Reports of increased febrile rash illnesses in Austin, Texas, prompted an investigation.
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) collaborated with Texas authorities.
Purpose of the Study:
- Confirm Rickettsia typhi as the causative agent.
- Assess the outbreak's magnitude and severity.
- Identify potential animal reservoirs and contributing peridomestic factors.
Main Methods:
- Investigated human cases of febrile rash illness in Austin.
- Collected and tested specimens from wildlife and domestic animals.
- Assessed antibody reactivity to R. typhi in animal samples.
Main Results:
- Thirty-three human cases of confirmed murine typhus were identified, with illness onset from March to October.
- 23 (70%) patients were hospitalized; no deaths were reported.
- Antibodies reactive to R. typhi were found in 18% of cats, 44% of dogs, and 71% of opossums.
Conclusions:
- Findings suggest a potential Rickettsia typhi cycle involving opossums and domestic animals in Austin.
- Further research is needed to confirm animal reservoirs and transmission routes.
- Public health interventions may be necessary to control future outbreaks.
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