Spotted fever

Spotted fever
Synonyms
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Fever, rash, headache, muscle pain
Complications	Organ failure, encephalitis
Onset	2–14 days after exposure
Duration
Types	N/A
Causes	Rickettsia bacteria
Risks	Tick exposure
Diagnosis	Serology, PCR
Differential diagnosis	Measles, Meningococcal infection, Typhus
Prevention	Avoiding tick bites, using insect repellent
Treatment	Doxycycline
Medication
Prognosis	Good with treatment, can be severe if untreated
Frequency
Deaths

Spotted fever is a type of tick-borne disease caused by bacteria of the genus Rickettsia. The name "spotted fever" comes from the characteristic rash that often develops in the early stages of these diseases. The most well-known of these diseases is Rocky Mountain spotted fever, but several other spotted fevers are also recognized.

Causes

Spotted fevers are caused by bacteria of the genus Rickettsia, which are transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected tick. The specific species of Rickettsia involved and the species of tick that serves as the vector can vary depending on the specific type of spotted fever.

Symptoms

The symptoms of spotted fever can vary depending on the specific disease, but generally include fever, headache, and muscle aches. A rash often develops in the early stages of the disease, which can help in diagnosis.

Treatment

Spotted fevers are generally treated with antibiotics, with doxycycline being the drug of choice. Early treatment is important to prevent serious complications.

Prevention

Prevention of spotted fever primarily involves avoiding tick bites through the use of insect repellent, wearing long sleeves and pants when in tick-infested areas, and checking for and removing ticks after being outdoors.

See also

• Tick-borne disease
• Rickettsia
• Rocky Mountain spotted fever