Typhus or spotted fever is a contagious disease that is caused by micro-organisms of the genus Rickettsia. The name originated from the Greek typhos (meaning mist or haze) and refers to the haze of the fever delirium of the patients. In addition to attention and concentration problems, memory loss, delusions, and hallucinations can also occur. The illness is spread by body lice, often in poor hygiene conditions, during wars and famine. The symptoms can include high fever, headache, rash, nausea, and vomiting. Among schoolboys ‘black typhus’ was a derogatory name for the NSB [Dutch Nazi party], whose members wore black shirts.