Rickettsia parkeri rickettsiosis is an emerging tick-borne disease that has been identified in remote areas of Southern Arizona. R. parkeri is similar to Rocky Mountain spotted fever, but symptoms are milder. Infection is treatable with doxycycline.
Illness is characterized by the development of an eschar (dark necrotic scab) at the site of the tick bite and may be accompanied by:
Illness is characterized by the development of an eschar (dark necrotic scab) at the site of the tick bite and may be accompanied by:
- fever
- headache
- malaise
- myalgia
- rash (initially macular, then may appear more vesicular)
Transmission
R. parkeri is spread by the bite of an infected tick.
The incubation period is days to weeks.
R. parkeri is spread by the bite of an infected tick.
The incubation period is days to weeks.
Isolation Precautions
Standard precautions are recommended in healthcare settings.
Prevention for Patients
Reduce contact with ticks:
Standard precautions are recommended in healthcare settings.
Prevention for Patients
Reduce contact with ticks:
- use insect repellent
- wear long sleeves and pants
- avoid wooded areas and brushy areas with high grass
- perform thorough tick checks after spending time outdoors
- use tick prevention on pets
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