Delaware

Relapsing Fever in Delaware

Relapsing Fever is an acute bacterial infection caused by *Borrelia* spirochetes, characterized by recurring episodes of high fever separated by periods of remission. It primarily affects individuals in areas with poor hygiene, developing regions, or those exposed to infected ticks or lice.

No active Relapsing Fever reports in Delaware right now.

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What is Relapsing Fever?

Relapsing Fever has been recognized for centuries, historically linked to epidemics during wars and famines. The causative *Borrelia* spirochetes were first observed in patient blood by *Otto Obermeier* in 1868, distinguishing it from other febrile illnesses like typhus.

Symptoms

Sudden onset of high fever (often >104°F / 40°C)
Chills and severe headache
Muscle and joint aches (myalgia and arthralgia)
Nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain
Cycles of fever followed by periods of remission (days to weeks), then relapses (usually milder but recurring)

Transmission

Relapsing Fever is primarily transmitted through vectors. *Louse-borne relapsing fever (LBRF)* spreads when infected body lice are crushed on the skin, and the bacteria enter through broken skin. *Tick-borne relapsing fever (TBRF)* is transmitted through the bite of infected soft-bodied *Ornithodoros* ticks, which typically feed at night.

Contagious Period: Varies by disease

Prevention

Avoid contact with ticks and lice; use insect repellents (e.g., DEET or permethrin-treated clothing) in endemic areas.
Inspect skin and clothing for ticks after outdoor activities and remove them promptly and correctly.
Maintain good personal hygiene and sanitation, especially in crowded conditions or where lice infestation is a risk.
Control rodent populations around homes, as they can be hosts for infected ticks.

Delaware Health Resources

Local health department information and state-specific prevention guidance

We're Monitoring Delaware

Our AI-powered surveillance continuously monitors Relapsing Fever activity across Delaware. 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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Delaware Health Department

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

→ Delaware Department of Health → CDC Relapsing Fever Information → CDC Health Topics

Understanding Relapsing Fever: Key Questions

Whether you live in Delaware or are traveling there, knowing the symptoms, timeline, and when to seek care helps you act quickly if exposure occurs.

When to Seek Care

Seek care if you experience severe dehydration, bloody stools, high fever, or symptoms lasting more than 3 days. Children under 5, adults over 65, and immunocompromised individuals should seek care earlier.

Emergency symptoms: Severe dehydration, inability to keep fluids down for 12 or more hours, or neurological symptoms require emergency care.

Expert Resources & References

Trusted information from leading health organizations

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: 2026-07-18

Recent Relapsing Fever Reports

No confirmed cases reported in Delaware yet. Here are the latest Relapsing Fever reports from our global surveillance network.

This event envelope contains reports on TBRF in Lebanon. Tickborne relapsing fever (TBRF) is also known as soft tick relapsing fever (STRF). *Source: BEACON* - [View Full Report](https://beaconbio.org/en/event/?eventid=66365bae-9a3b-487f-b7f7-1a35be16e251)

Lebanon · 2026-05-23

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