Why Is Typhus Called Jail Fever?

Jail fever is just one of many names by which the epidemic typhus is known. The rapid spread of typhus in the crowded, unsanitary conditions of medieval prisons led to the name jail fever, also known as gaol fever, camp fever and ship fever.

Origin

• The exact origin of typhus is unclear, though it is first recognized in descriptions of the battle the Spanish army waged to oust the Moors in the 15th century. Only 3,000 Spaniards died in battle, but 17,000 were killed by typhus.

A Filth-Borne Disease

• Typhus thrives in overcrowded, unsanitary living conditions, such as were characteristic of jails, ships and army camps in the Middle Ages. Bubonic plague, typhoid, dysentery and scabies are other filth-borne diseases.

Carriers of Typhus

• Epidemic typhus is carried by body lice which inhabit an infected person and are, in turn infected and die. Before that, however, the louse can infect many people. The bacteria that cause typhus can live for days, even in dead lice.

Epidemics

• Lice were rampant in the Middle Ages, with overcrowding, lack of sanitation, and the social, religious and moral aversion to bathing. Epidemics of typhus killed millions, even into the early 20th century.

A Rare Disease

• With modern medicine and a health-conscious society, epidemic typhus is now rare. However, occasional outbreaks are still seen in lesser-developed parts of the world.