Definition for View source for Murine typhus

Murine typhus (also called endemic typhus) is a form of typhus transmitted by fleas ([[Xenopsylla cheopis]]), usually on rats. (This is in contrast to [[epidemic typhus]], which is usually transmitted by lice.) Murine typhus is an under-recognized entity, as it is often confused with viral illnesses. Most people who are infected do not realize that they have been bitten by fleas.