Trench fever

Trench fever is an infectious disease caused by a bacterium called Bartonella quintana. It gets its name from World War I, when it spread widely among soldiers living in trenches. The disease is also sometimes called five-day fever, quintan fever, or Wolhynia fever. It is spread to humans through the feces of body lice — not through a louse bite itself, but when louse droppings get rubbed into a skin wound or the eyes. The disease mainly affects the blood and causes recurring episodes of fever, severe headache, bone pain (especially in the shins), and a skin rash. Symptoms tend to come and go in cycles, often every five days, which is how it earned the nickname 'five-day fever.' Most people feel very unwell during flare-ups but can recover fully with the right antibiotic treatment. Today, trench fever is most commonly seen in people experiencing homelessness, those living in crowded or unsanitary conditions, and people in areas affected by conflict or disaster. With proper antibiotic treatment, most people recover well. However, in people with weakened immune systems — such as those living with HIV — the infection can become more serious and harder to treat.

Bring these to your next appointment

• Q1.What antibiotic will I be taking, and how long do I need to take it?,How do I know if the treatment is working?,What should I do if my fever comes back after I finish antibiotics?,Do the people I live with need to be tested or treated too?,How do I get rid of body lice to prevent getting sick again?,Are there any signs of complications I should watch for at home?,If I have HIV or another immune condition, does my treatment plan change?

Common questions about Trench fever