Spotted fever rickettsiosis

Spotted fever rickettsiosis is a type of infectious disease caused by a group of bacteria known as Rickettsia. This disease is typically transmitted through the bite of an infected tick. The most well-known form of spotted fever rickettsiosis is Rocky Mountain spotted fever, but there are several other types of this disease that occur worldwide.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

The symptoms of spotted fever rickettsiosis typically begin within two weeks of a tick bite and can include fever, headache, muscle pain, and a rash. The rash, which is not present in all cases, usually begins on the wrists and ankles and can spread to the rest of the body.

Diagnosis of spotted fever rickettsiosis is typically based on symptoms and a history of possible exposure to ticks. Laboratory testing can confirm the diagnosis, but treatment should not be delayed while waiting for test results if the disease is suspected.

Treatment and Prevention

Spotted fever rickettsiosis is treated with antibiotics, typically doxycycline. Early treatment is important to prevent severe disease or death.

Prevention of spotted fever rickettsiosis involves avoiding tick bites. This can be achieved by wearing long sleeves and pants when in areas where ticks are common, using insect repellent, and checking for ticks after being outdoors.

Epidemiology

Spotted fever rickettsiosis occurs worldwide, but is most common in the United States, particularly in the southeastern states. The disease is most common in the spring and early summer when ticks are most active.

See Also

• Tick-borne disease
• Rickettsia rickettsii
• Rickettsia parkeri rickettsiosis
• Rickettsia africae