The Development of Typhus and Other Epidemic Diseases, Essay Example

Though Hans Zinsser describes his book Rats, Lice, and History, as a biography of typhus, he only discusses typhus in the last four chapters. His primary focus is to educate readers about the development and transmission of epidemic diseases and their role in history.

Zinsser explains the foundations of bacteria, viruses, and parasites and how they relate to infectious diseases. The progression of disease throughout history is detailed, with elaboration on illnesses such as the bubonic plague and syphilis. Zinsser describes lice and rats and their relation to not only typhus, but disease in general.

The typhus biography begins in the last few chapters. Zinsser describes the signs and symptoms of typhus, and differentiates between the two forms. One is the murine virus, which is passed during interepidemic periods via rodents and insects, and the other exists only in humans.

Early records of typhus are not reliable; one must depend on descriptions of diseases and epidemics throughout history. Zinsser notes that typhus outbreaks often impacted the results of military battles, helping to shape political outcomes. Zinsser traces possible outbreaks from the times Ferdinand and Isabella of Spain to World War I. He also explores whether typhus was brought to the America’s by Europe or was already present.

Zinsser concludes that while typhus may always be present, that sanitary habits are fundamental in controlling the outbreak of typhus. Sanitary practices with food, clothing, and bedding helped to control the spread of infection.

Works Cited

Zinsser, Hans. Rats, Lice, and History. New Brunswick: Transaction Publishers, 2008. 301. eBook. <https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=crD-P3fJ4NQC>.