Vermont

Relapsing Fever, Tick-Borne in Vermont

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. Track Relapsing Fever, Tick-Borne activity and outbreaks specific to Vermont.

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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.

Vermont Health Resources

Local health department information and state-specific prevention guidance

We're Monitoring Vermont

Our AI-powered surveillance continuously monitors Relapsing Fever, Tick-Borne activity across Vermont. We track data from state health departments, local hospitals, CDC reports, and 50+ global health sources to provide early warning of emerging threats.

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Vermont Health Department

For official state health alerts, vaccination locations, and public health guidance specific to Vermont, visit your state health department's website.

→ Vermont Department of Health → Find Relapsing Fever, Tick-Borne Vaccination Near You → CDC Travel Health Notices

Protecting Yourself in Vermont

Whether you live in Vermont, are traveling there, or have family in the state, understanding Relapsing Fever, Tick-Borne prevention is essential. Follow these evidence-based prevention measures:

Prevention Measures

  • 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.

When to Seek Care

If you experience symptoms of Relapsing Fever, Tick-Borne in Vermont, contact your healthcare provider immediately. Early diagnosis and treatment improve outcomes significantly.

Emergency symptoms: If you experience severe symptoms, difficulty breathing, or signs of dehydration, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.

Expert Resources & References

Trusted information from leading health organizations

CDC

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

View CDC Resources →

WHO

Global disease surveillance and guidelines from the World Health Organization

View WHO Resources →

Research

Latest peer-reviewed research and clinical studies

View Research →

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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