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Are Rickettsial diseases contagious?
Rickettsial diseases are not spread from humans to humans, only from insect to human. However, endemic typhus is spread by the human body louse infected with Rickettsia, and these infected body lice spread between people living in close contact. Endemic typhus, although present worldwide, has not been documented in Australia.
Is there anything else I should know?
A wide range of Rickettsial disease may be acquired overseas. Always inform your doctor if you become unwell after developing insect bites while travelling overseas.
Last Review Date: August 8, 2017