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Living with Pseudotyphus of California

A rare flea-borne infection that can cause fever, headache, and rash, or no symptoms at all.

Understanding Pseudotyphus of California

Pseudotyphus of California is a rare infection carried by fleas and caused by the bacterium Rickettsia felis.

Some people have no symptoms. Others have general symptoms like fever, headache, rash, and muscle and joint pain. Rarely, more serious problems occur, such as nervous system and lung involvement. It can happen at any time in life.

Signs & symptoms

Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD describes these features:

  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Rash over the body
  • Muscle and joint pain
  • Nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite
  • Abdominal pain

Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.

Diagnosis

  1. Talk with your doctor

    Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.

  2. See a specialist

    Your doctor may refer you to a specialist who knows rare conditions.

  3. Ask which tests can help

    Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.

Care & treatment

Care team
A doctor familiar with rare conditions, plus specialists as needed
Expert care
Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
Treatment
GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
Research
Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.

General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.

Everyday life

Living with a rare condition is easier with support.

  • Connect with rare disease patient organizations for support
  • Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
  • Ask about patient registries that help research
  • Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Bring these questions to your next doctor visit
How is the infection diagnosed and treated?
What can I do to avoid flea exposure at home?
Which symptoms mean I should contact my doctor right away?

Quick facts

Symptoms usually startany time in life

It is caused by infection with Rickettsia felis, which is spread by fleas.

Infectious

Also known as: infection caused by rickettsia felis

Patient organizations

Rare-disease groups that can help

Source: NIH GARD · Pseudotyphus of CaliforniaGARD ID 19034 · GARD page updated September 2026 · Plain-language summary by Know Rare; editorial review pending. General information, not medical advice.

You are more than your diagnosis

Perspectives from people navigating life with Pseudotyphus of California.

Explore the Pseudotyphus of California blog

Explore research for Pseudotyphus of California

Explore actively recruiting Pseudotyphus of California studies with HealthSpark.

HealthSpark

Find actively recruiting studies for Pseudotyphus of California with HealthSpark. Share your city to explore research near you.

  • Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
  • Share your city to look for research near you
  • Eligibility is confirmed by the study team

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Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.

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