Lice are small-sized, wingless parasites that feed on human blood. Take note that there are three different types of lice that can thrive on humans – body lice, head lice, pubic lice. The body lice are the only ones capable of spreading disease. An infestation of body lice is called as pediculosis and can spread through direct contact with an infested individual or contact with bedding or articles of clothing. If you want to learn more about these diseases, read here.
Trench fever
Body lice can spread the pathogen Baronella quintana. This disease can spread through the feces of body lice. The disease became a feature of the homeless population in some countries.
The symptoms of this disease manifest 14-30 days after transmission, resulting to dizziness, abrupt weakness, headache, back and leg pain, high fever and rashes. Oftentimes, the fever can come and go over several weeks. Take note that trench fever can lead to an enlarged liver and spleen. In most cases, individuals can recover within 1-2 months but can relapse even years later.
Epidemic typhus
Epidemic typhus is considered as a serious disease caused by the bacteria Rickettsia prowazekii. The condition caused by the microorganism has occurred globally with outbreaks that are connected to natural disasters, poverty and war. The transmission of the disease typically occurs once the feces of the body lice gets into cuts, wounds or scrape in the skin.
The symptoms start to manifest 7-14 days after transmission with severe headache, extreme fatigue and high fever. A pink-colored rash develops on the trunk within 4-6 days. In some cases, the individual might have an enlarged spleen. Pneumonia, gangrene and kidney or brain involvement is considered as serious complications and can increase the risk for death. Take note that the elderly face a higher risk for developing deadly illnesses if left untreated. Additionally, epidemic typhus is not usually fatal among children.
Relapsing fever
Relapsing fever is caused by the bacteria Borrelia recurrentis. The condition is mainly found in parts of Africa and South America. A louse that is infected can transmit the disease to an individual after being crushed on the skin which frees the bacteria that can enter the body via a cut or abrasion.
Once an individual is infected, it will take 3-11 days for the symptoms to manifest. The condition starts with chills, severe headache, high fever, rapid heart rate, muscle and joint aches, mental confusion, nausea and vomiting. Take note that the symptoms can be accompanied by a rash. The fever tends to go away in 3-5 days but recurs several days up to two weeks later. The fever and other symptoms come and go several times before full recovery. The complications of this condition include hepatitis, heart inflammation, pneumonia, seizures and coma.