What is typhus?

Answer 1

Rickettsial disease transmitted by body lice and characterized by skin rash and high fever. It is treated with antibiotics.

Either a Greek "Monster" or a disease. (see links below)

Typhus was a mythological Greek monster (aka Typhon or Typhos) but is also a serious disease. (A group of diseases caused by Rickettsia bacteria and usually spread by fleas and lice.) Sao Paulo Typhus is also called Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. It is an infectious disease usually contracted from a tick bite. Symptoms of typhus include headache and a high fever which can be very serious. "Epidemic typhus" occurs in areas with poor hygienic resources and is spread by the human body louse.

Rickettsia bacteria enter the skin through cuts or bites made by the insects. There is a vaccine that you can get prior to going into areas where typhus may be a problem. Take it a few weeks in advance of taking your trip since it does give you a sore arm.