Lice are parasitic insects that live on the human body and feed on blood. Lice can live on the head, body or pubic area. Head and pubic lice are a nuisance, but are harmless. Body lice, which are common in people with poor personal hygiene and those who live in crowded conditions, can carry other diseases that may transfer to the host, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Diseases transmitted by body lice include relapsing fever, typhus and trench fever. Showering at least weekly can help prevent a body lice infestation.
Relapsing Fever
Relapsing fever is an infection that causes repeated fevers. A bacterium called Borrelia recurrentis cause the infections, which are common in Central America, South America, Africa and Asia. Symptoms of relapsing fever include a fever lasting several days with periods of remission before the fever returns. Time between episodes of fever may last up to two weeks. Complications include seizures, coma and an inflammation of the area and liver. Bleeding and pneumonia may also occur. Treatment for relapsing fever includes antibiotic therapy. Without treatment, up to 70 percent of infected individuals will die from the condition.
Typhus
Typhus is a disease caused by the bacteria Rickettsia typhi. Symptoms of typhus include a red rash that starts at the center of the body and spreads out, a high fever that may last two weeks, pain in the joints, abdomen, head and back, dry cough and nausea and vomiting. Treatment for typhus includes antibiotic therapy with drugs such as doxycycline and tetracycline. With proper treatment, infected individuals make a complete recovery, according to MedlinePlus. Prevention of typhus includes proper bathing and treating infected clothing to eradicate lice.
Trench Fever
Trench fever is an infection cause by the bacterium Bartonella quintana. The bacteria infected over a million people during World War I. Symptoms include episodes of fever that last for one to three days, headache, dizziness and shin pain. The symptoms will recur every four to six days, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Treatment for trench fever includes antibiotic therapy and insecticides to remove the lice. A complication of the infection includes an inflammation in the lining of the heart, also called endocarditis.
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