About this topic
Rickettsial infections are caused by germs. They are divided into: ‚
- Typhus group
- Spotted fever group
- Classic scrub typhus group
Fleas, ticks, mites, and lice bite our skin. They transfer their germs when they bite. You can also get the germ from the stool of infected fleas and lice, which can be transmitted through the skin by itching or scratching. Sometimes, dust is contaminated with this material. This can be breathed into the lungs or rubbed into the eyes. The germ infects your blood and muscles. It can damage your tissues and cause serious health problems. ‚
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What are the causes?
Rickettsial infections are caused by a bite from infected fleas, ticks, lice, or mites. Different illnesses are found in different parts of the world. ‚
What can make this more likely to happen?
Traveling to countries with infected lice, fleas, mites, or ticks may make you more at risk. Your risk is also higher if a flea, tick, lice, or mite that has the germ bites you. Breathing in dust that has the germ in it raises your risk as well. ‚
What are the main signs?
- Fever and chills
- Joint pain and muscle aches
- Headache
- Feeling tired
- Skin swelling
- Small, red rash
- Black or crusted skin
- Upset stomach and throwing up
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
Your doctor will take your history and do an exam. The doctor will ask if you have traveled to a place where these infections are common. The doctor will look at the wound or bite mark and may order: ‚
- Lab tests
- Wound culture
- X-ray
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
- Drugs
- Your doctor may clean your wound with an antiseptic. The doctor will cover the wound with clean bandages.
What lifestyle changes are needed?
- The signs of a rickettsial infection can affect your daily activities. Get lots of rest. Sleep when you are feeling tired. Avoid doing tiring activities.
- If swallowing is painful, try soups, jello, shakes, or pureed fruits and vegetables. Try to eat small portions even if you do not want to.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Fight an infection
- Lower fever
- Help with pain
- Ease breathing problems
What problems could happen?
- Body tissue dies
- Kidney problems
- Lung problems
- Heart problems
- Brain problems
- Deafness
- Death
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- If you plan to travel to a country where ticks, lice, or fleas are common, ask your doctor what you can do to prevent this illness.
- If you see a tick on your skin, remove the tick right away. Use tweezers and carefully remove the tick. Save the tick in alcohol. Do not squeeze it.
- Protect yourself from ticks and fleas.
- Wear long pants and shirts or jackets with long sleeves.
- Tuck pants into socks or boots.
- Use an insect repellent when going outside.
- Protect your pets from ticks and fleas by using anti-tick drugs or shampoos.
- Spray insect repellent to get rid of ticks and fleas around your home.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a mask when going to dusty places.
- If your work involves cleaning dirty houses and old buildings where stray animals with fleas or lice may live, wear proper protective clothing.
Where can I learn more?
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ‚
http://www.cdc.gov/otherspottedfever/ ‚
http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2012/chapter-3-infectious-diseases-related-to-travel/rickettsial-spotted-and-typhus-fevers-and-related-infections-anaplasmosis-and-ehrlichiosis.htm ‚
New Zealand Dermatologic Society ‚
http://www.dermnetnz.org/bacterial/rickettsia.html ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚