(1) Signs/symptoms. Incubation period of this disease is 3 to 10 days. The
patient experiences:
Sudden onset of high fever.
Chills.
Headache.
Generalized pains.
The fever subsides after about 4 days, rises again in 3 to 10 days,
followed by one or more relapses.
Mortality is generally low, but may reach 50% or higher in crowded,
poverty-stricken, and louse-ridden populations.
(2) Transmission. Transmission of the disease from louse to man is similar
to that described above for epidemic typhus.
(3) Immunity/treatment. Duration of immunity after clinical attack is unknown,
but probably less than 2 years. Tetracyclines are the specific treatment indicated.
5-50. PREVENTION AND CONTROL OF LOUSE INFESTATIONS
a. General.
(1) Identification/transmission.
Louse infestation (pediculosis) is a morbid condition transmissible from human to
human and through direct contact with:
Infested persons
Their clothing, towels, and bedding
Latrines used by them
(2) Importance to the military. In addition to the louse-borne diseases which
may be transmitted and the discomfort occasioned by louse bites and consequent
scratching and irritation, pediculosis:
Causes a general feeling of fatigue and irritability that reduces
efficiency and lowers morale.
Constitutes a health hazard.
MD0152
5-57