The evaluation of typhus begins with a history and physical examination.

Physical findings in someone with typhus include:

• Fever
• Rash:
• Starts on the trunk, and spreads to the arms and legs
• Cough
• Lymph node swelling
• Enlarged spleen
• Enlarged liver

Tests are necessary to evaluate typhus.

Tests that may be used to evaluate typhus include:

• Weil-Felix test
• Antibody levels and serologic studies
• Blood coagulation profile
• Complete blood count
• Kidney function tests
• Liver function tests
• Polymerase chain reaction for typhus:
• Now used to identify Rickettsia DNA very quickly
• Urinalysis