Epidemic Louse-Borne Typhus

**Semantic type:** Disease or Syndrome

**Definition:** A gram-negative bacterial infection caused by Rickettsia prowazekii. It is spread by lice infected with the bacteria. Signs and symptoms include sudden headache, generalized muscle pain, malaise, and macular skin lesions. The infection may affect the central nervous system causing encephalitis.

**Synonyms:** - Epidemic Typhus - Epidemic Typhus Fever