Rickettsial disease

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Rickettsial Disease

Rickettsial disease (pronunciation: rik-et-see-al disease) is a type of infectious disease caused by a group of intracellular parasites known as Rickettsia. These diseases are usually transmitted through the bites of insects and ticks.

Etymology

The term Rickettsial is derived from the name of Howard Taylor Ricketts, an American pathologist who first discovered and studied these diseases. The term disease comes from the Old French desaise, meaning lack of ease.

Types of Rickettsial Diseases

There are several types of Rickettsial diseases, including:

  • Rocky Mountain spotted fever: This is the most severe and most frequently reported Rickettsial illness in the United States. It is transmitted to humans by the bite of infected ticks.
  • Typhus: There are several types of typhus, all caused by the Rickettsia bacteria. The most common types are epidemic typhus and murine typhus.
  • Q fever: This is a worldwide disease with acute and chronic stages that is caused by the bacteria Coxiella burnetii.

Symptoms

Common symptoms of Rickettsial diseases include fever, headache, rash, and muscle aches. These symptoms usually occur after an incubation period of 5-14 days following a tick bite.

Treatment

Rickettsial diseases are usually treated with the antibiotic doxycycline. Early treatment can prevent severe disease and death.

Prevention

Prevention of Rickettsial diseases primarily involves avoiding exposure to ticks and insects that carry the Rickettsia bacteria. This can be achieved through the use of insect repellents, wearing long sleeves and pants, and checking for ticks after being in wooded or grassy areas.

External links

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