Spotted Fever Rickettsiosis

1 Active Outbreak

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.

Countries Affected

Recent Cases (30d)

Active Outbreaks

8d ago

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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

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Rickettsiosis, USA

United States 2026-06-10

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Expert Resources & References

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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: 2026-06-19

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