Rickettsia is a type of bacteria that is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected ticks, fleas, or mites. This bacterium is responsible for causing a range of illnesses, including typhus, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and Q fever. Many synonyms exist for the word Rickettsia such as spotted fever group, guinea pig typhus, European typhus, and typhus fever. Other possible synonyms include Brill-Zinsser disease, scrub typhus, and murine typhus. Despite the varied names, it is vital to recognize the characteristics and symptoms of Rickettsia infections, as early treatment is essential for a full recovery.