typhus, murine An acute infectious disease characterized by fever, headache, and rash that are similar to, but milder than, those in epidemic typhus. Murine typhus is caused by the microorganism Rickettsia typhi (mooseri) and transmitted to humans by rat fleas (Xenopsylla cheopis). The animal reservoir includes rats, mice, and other rodents. Murine typhus occurs sporadically worldwide but is most prevalent in congested, rat-infested urban areas. Also known as endemic typhus, rat-flea typhus, and urban typhus of Malaya. See also rickettsial diseases.

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