Mediterranean spotted fever (Pediatrics - PEDS)

Mediterranean spotted fever is an acute and zoonotic (disease transmitted from animals to humans) infectious disease caused by the bacterium Rickettsia conorii. The transmitting agent is a tick. After a period of incubation, it suddenly starts with shivering, high fever, joint and muscle pains, headache and abnormal sensitivity to light. After 3-5 days, skin lesions occur that can appear at the site of the tick bite or on other areas of the skin, typically on the trunk and limbs. It is diagnosed by taking a detailed medical history (possible exposure to ticks approximately 12 days before must be investigated), a full physical examination and it can be confirmed by isolating the bacteria in cultures and by performing serology blood tests. Treatment is antibiotics with doxycycline and treatment of the symptoms.