Louse-borne diseases

Louse-borne relapsing fever (LBRF) is a vector-borne disease transmitted by the body louse Pediculus humanus humanus. The disease can be severe. Currently the disease is primarily found in north-eastern Africa.

Louse-borne typhus is responsible for large epidemics in populations with poor sanitary and overcrowded conditions. The disease can be severe with a mortality of up to 60% without antibiotic treatment.

Facts about bartonella quintana infection (historically called ‘trench fever’). It is a disease transmitted by lice and more common among low-income and homeless people.