Trench fever is a bacterial disease transmitted by body lice. The symptoms include relapsing fevers, muscle aches, pain behind the eyes, severe headache, joint pain, rash, liver and spleen enlargement, and pain in the shins.
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Trench Fever  Information for adults

Picture of Trench Fever: Trench fever is a bacterial disease transmitted by body lice. The symptoms include relapsing fevers, muscle aches, pain behind the eyes, severe headache, joint pain, rash, liver and spleen enlargement, and pain in the shins. Divider line
Trench fever is a bacterial disease transmitted by body lice. The symptoms include relapsing fevers, muscle aches, pain behind the eyes, severe headache, joint pain, rash, liver and spleen enlargement, and pain in the shins.
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Self-Care Guidelines
It is important to get rid of the body lice entirely to prevent reinfection.

In the case of trench fever:
  • Bathe regularly and change and launder your clothes.
  • It is appropriate to treat fever with acetaminophen, aspirin, or ibuprofen.
If you have an itchy rash, avoid scratching it, as this may lead to further infection with other bacteria.

As with all illnesses, rest and stay well hydrated.
When to Seek Medical Care
See your doctor for any illness that causes recurrent fever, particularly if the fever lasts longer than 5 days. The signs and symptoms of trench fever are common to many other illnesses, so it is important to tell your doctor if you suspect you have body lice or trench fever.
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Last Modified: 22 Dec 2008
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