Tennessee

Spotted Fever Rickettsiosis in Tennessee

Spotted Fever Rickettsiosis is a group of bacterial infections caused by Rickettsia species, transmitted to humans by ticks. The most severe and well-known form is Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF), primarily affecting people in the Americas. It is characterized by fever, headache, and often a distinctive rash. Track Spotted Fever Rickettsiosis activity and outbreaks specific to Tennessee.

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What is Spotted Fever Rickettsiosis?

Spotted Fever Rickettsiosis, particularly Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF), was first recognized in the late 19th and early 20th centuries in the Rocky Mountain region of the United States. In 1906, Howard Ricketts identified the causative agent, a bacterium later named Rickettsia rickettsii in his honor, and confirmed its transmission by ticks. This discovery was pivotal in understanding tick-borne diseases.

Symptoms

  • 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)

Transmission

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.

Contagious Period: Varies by disease

Prevention

  • 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

Tennessee Health Resources

Local health department information and state-specific prevention guidance

We're Monitoring Tennessee

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

Get instant push notifications when Spotted Fever Rickettsiosis activity increases in Tennessee or your specific county.

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Tennessee Health Department

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

→ Tennessee Department of Health → Find Spotted Fever Rickettsiosis Vaccination Near You → CDC Travel Health Notices

Protecting Yourself in Tennessee

Whether you live in Tennessee, are traveling there, or have family in the state, understanding Spotted Fever Rickettsiosis prevention is essential. Follow these evidence-based prevention measures:

Prevention Measures

  • 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

When to Seek Care

If you experience symptoms of Spotted Fever Rickettsiosis in Tennessee, 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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