Typhus was a disease spread by mites and body lice. It was introduced into the Americas by the Spanish when they arrived; they carried lice and Typhus from their voyages and when they arrived, the people and animals were immediately affected. The Aztecs were unaware of what was the cause of their fevers and sickness. The mites would be transmitted simply by bodily contact or even by standing next to one's body, where the fleas would often hop from body to body. Symptoms of typhus included; abdominal pain, backache, rashes that were prone to spreading, high fevers, hacking and dry coughing, headache, joint and muscle pain, nausea and vomiting.