Tick Typhus – Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever

Tick typhus is also known as Rocky Mountain spotted fever or spotted fever or tick fever.

Tick typhus an acute febrile disease caused by Rickettsia rickettsii transmitted by hard-shelled (ixodid) ticks. This disease initially recognized in the Rocky Mountain States.

Epidemiological Triad

Agent- The causative agent of Tick typhus is bacteria Rickettsia rickettsii.

Host – Affect all age groups, high risk at whom traveling

Environment – Rainfall

Mode of Transmission

Bite of an infected tick, this disease most commonly reported rickettsial infection acquired during travel. 

Incubation Period

The incubation period ranges from 1-15 days. Signs and symptoms of Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) begin 3-12 days after the bite of an infected tick.

Lab Diagnosis

1. Blood test

2. PCR test

3. Weil-Felix test

4. Serology tests –   indirect fluorescent antibody (IFA) test or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Clinical Manifestation

 Symptoms of Tick typhus include-

1. High fever, chills

2. Headache

3. Muscle pain

4. Rash

5. Vasculitis

6. Swollen lymph

7. Eschar, and rash

Complications of Tick Typhus

1. Purpura fulminans – skin necrosis and disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC).

Treatment of Tick typhus

Tick typhus infection treated with medicine oral doxycycline.

 If allergy or contraindications to doxycycline exist, oral azithromycin may be used.

Prevention and Control

1. Treat tick typhus with antibiotics such as; Doxycycline

2. Try to avoid tick bites

3. Use insect repellents

4. Early diagnosis and Treatment – Early recognition of RMSF and prompt treatment with antibiotic is important.

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