Revista Peruana de Medicina Experimental y Salud Publica
versión impresa ISSN 1726-4634
MORON C, Cecilia. Tifus Exantemático: enfermedad reemergente en el Perú. Rev. perú. med. exp. salud publica [online]. 1999, vol.16, n.1-2, pp. 51-54. ISSN 1726-4634.
Exanthematic typhus is caused by Rickettsia prowazekii and it is classically transmitted by human body lice. It takes place in the form of outbreaks or epidemics, that potentially affect a large population in a matter of weeks or months. Peru reports more than 50% of the cases of exanthematic typhus worldwide. The surveillance system is considered incomplete, mainly due to limited economic resources, difficult communications and few laboratories with experience in rickettsial diagnosis. Adequate laboratory diagnosis and active case surveillance, possibly with community support, can contribute to strengthen the surveillance system.
Palabras llave : Typhus; epidemic louse-borne; Rickettsia prowazekii.