# typhus

/ˈtaɪfəs/ (US) · /tˈaɪfəs/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/typhus
Updated: 2026-05-28

## Definition

a serious disease that is spread by insects like lice or ticks. It causes a high fever, a rash, and often makes you feel very weak.

For teachers: an acute infectious disease caused by rickettsial bacteria, typically transmitted to humans through the bite of infected arthropods such as lice or ticks. It is characterised by a high fever, headache, and a distinctive rash.

## Examples

- The soldiers were vaccinated against typhus before the mission.
- During the war, poor hygiene and overcrowding in the camps led to a rapid outbreak of typhus among the refugees.
- Historical records indicate that typhus was a significant cause of mortality in urban slums and military encampments before the development of modern antibiotics and improved sanitation.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.