Typhus is an infectious disease caused by bacteria from the genus Rickettsia. It is typically transmitted to humans through bites from infected lice, fleas, or ticks. Symptoms often include fever, headache, rash, and muscle pain, which can develop within one to two weeks after exposure. There are different types of typhus, including epidemic typhus, which is spread by body lice, and endemic typhus, transmitted by fleas. Treatment usually involves antibiotics, and prevention focuses on improving hygiene and controlling the populations of the vectors that spread the disease.