What is one possible source of infection for Murine typhus?

Murine typhus is primarily caused by the bacterium Rickettsia typhi, which is transmitted mainly through infected fleas, particularly those that infest rats. The fleas act as vectors; they become infected when they feed on the blood of a host that carries the bacteria. When these fleas bite humans, they can transmit Rickettsia typhi, leading to the disease. Understanding the epidemiology and transmission pathways of Murine typhus emphasizes the importance of controlling rodent populations and flea infestations in urban and suburban environments to prevent outbreaks. This highlights the critical role of vector control in managing diseases like Murine typhus effectively.