Relapsing Fever, Tick-Borne

Relapsing Fever, Tick-Borne (TBRF) is a bacterial infection caused by several species of Borrelia bacteria. It is characterized by recurring episodes of high fever and is primarily found in people exposed to infected soft ticks, often in rustic cabins, caves, or rural settings in endemic areas.

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What is Relapsing Fever, Tick-Borne?

Relapsing fever has been recognized for centuries, with early descriptions dating back to antiquity. The *Borrelia* spirochetes responsible for the disease were identified in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Historically, relapsing fevers caused significant epidemics and morbidity, especially in regions with poor hygiene and limited vector control, and were a major public health concern during wars and famines.

Symptoms

  • First Febrile Episode: Sudden onset of high fever, headache, muscle and joint aches, chills, nausea, vomiting, and sometimes a rash.
  • Afebrile Period: A period of 3-10 days where symptoms subside completely or significantly improve.
  • Relapses: Return of fever and other symptoms, often milder than the initial episode but can recur multiple times.
  • Other possible symptoms: Jaundice, cough, abdominal pain, neurological symptoms.

Transmission

Relapsing Fever, Tick-Borne is primarily transmitted to humans through the bite of infected *Ornithodoros* (soft) ticks. These nocturnal ticks typically feed for short periods (15-30 minutes) while a person is sleeping. The ticks acquire the *Borrelia* bacteria from reservoirs like rodents (e.g., squirrels, chipmunks, mice) and other small mammals. It is not transmitted from person to person.

Contagious Period: Varies by disease

Prevention

  • Avoid tick exposure: Use insect repellents containing DEET or picaridin when in endemic areas.
  • Protective clothing: Wear long sleeves and pants, especially at night or when visiting areas known to harbor ticks.
  • Tick checks: Inspect skin and clothing thoroughly after spending time outdoors.
  • Rodent control: Reduce rodent populations around homes and cabins to limit tick habitats.
  • Seal entry points: Block potential entry points for rodents and ticks in dwellings.
  • No vaccine: Currently, no vaccine is available for TBRF.

Active Outbreaks & Recent Cases

Real-time intelligence from global health monitoring and AI-powered surveillance

Data sources: BEACON, ProMED, WHO, CDC, and 50+ national health agencies

No Active Outbreaks Detected

Our AI-powered surveillance hasn't detected significant Relapsing Fever, Tick-Borne activity in the past 30 days.

Real-time monitoring continues 24/7 across BEACON, ProMED, WHO, CDC, and 50+ global health agencies

What This Means

Currently, Relapsing Fever, Tick-Borne case counts are within baseline expectations globally. However, diseases can emerge rapidly, which is why continuous monitoring is critical.

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Prevention Remains Important

Even without active outbreaks, understanding Relapsing Fever, Tick-Borne prevention helps protect you and your community:

  • Avoid tick exposure: Use insect repellents containing DEET or picaridin when in endemic areas.
  • Protective clothing: Wear long sleeves and pants, especially at night or when visiting areas known to harbor ticks.
  • Tick checks: Inspect skin and clothing thoroughly after spending time outdoors.
  • Rodent control: Reduce rodent populations around homes and cabins to limit tick habitats.
  • Seal entry points: Block potential entry points for rodents and ticks in dwellings.
  • No vaccine: Currently, no vaccine is available for TBRF.
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Expert Resources & References

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CDC

Official guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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WHO

Global disease surveillance and guidelines from the World Health Organization

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Research

Latest peer-reviewed research and clinical studies

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Medically Reviewed Content

Disease information on Virus Watcher is reviewed by our Chief Epidemiologist, a former CDC lead analyst for FluSight forecasting. Outbreak data is aggregated from verified sources including BEACON, ProMED, WHO, CDC, and 50+ national health agencies. This information is for educational purposes and should not replace professional medical advice.

Last reviewed: 2026-06-03

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