Spotted Fever Rickettsiosis

• High fever (often sudden onset)
• Severe headache
• Malaise and muscle aches
• Rash (typically appears 2-5 days after fever, often starting on wrists and ankles, spreading to trunk, palms, and soles; can be maculopapular and later petechial)
• Nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain
• Conjunctival injection (red eyes)

Spotted Fever Rickettsiosis is primarily transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected tick. Common tick vectors include the American dog tick (Dermacentor variabilis), Rocky Mountain wood tick (Dermacentor andersoni), and brown dog tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus). The bacteria are injected into the bloodstream through tick saliva during feeding. Person-to-person transmission does not occur.

• Avoid tick-infested areas, especially during warmer months
• Wear protective clothing (long sleeves and pants) when outdoors
• Use EPA-registered insect repellents (e.g., DEET, picaridin) on skin and permethrin on clothing/gear
• Perform thorough tick checks on yourself, children, and pets after outdoor activities
• Remove attached ticks promptly and correctly using fine-tipped tweezers
• No human vaccine is currently available for Spotted Fever Rickettsiosis