World War I trench sickness found in Canada's homeless population

Homeless people in Canada have contracted a disease known for afflicting World War I soldiers fighting in the trenches of Europe, according to health reports.

Trench fever - bacterial disease that can be fatal if untreated - was found to be present among some of the country's homeless population, particularly those living in dense urban areas. The finding was revealed in the Canadian Medical Association Journal on Monday.

According to CTV News, the bacterial disease killed millions of World War I troops between 1914 and 1918. The afflicted suffer from symptoms that include muscle and headaches, rashes, shin pain and fever.

If left untreated, trench fever can lead to endocarditis, a potentially fatal heart infection.