1. Dr Paul T Francis, MD Community Medicine College of Medicine, Zawia
Rickettsial diseases
Dr Paul T Francis, MD
Community Medicine
College of Medicine, Zawia

2. Rickettsial diseases
Is a group of diseases caused by rickettsial organisms and transmitted by arthropod vectors except Q fever
Vectors are Human louse, Rat flea, Mite and Tick
Most of the rickettsial diseases are zoonotic seen in Rodents (القارض), Cattle, Sheep and Dogs
Rickettsial diseases are rare in Libya due to effective public health measures

3. Human louse

4. Louse in the head of a person

5. Mite

6. Ticks

7. Epidemiological factors
Epidemic typhus spreads from the feces of louse which enter the human body through minute abrasions of the skin
Endemic typhus also spreads from the feces of rat flea thru skin abrasions
The average incubation period is days

8. Prevention and control
Primary prevention
Improving personal hygiene
Wear protective clothes
Improve environmental hygiene to prevent breeding of rats near houses
Secondary prevention
Early diagnosis and treatment