Rickettsialpox

Rickettsialpox is an infection that is passed to humans by the bite of a house mouse mite.

What is going on in the body?

Rickettsia akari is the organism that causes rickettsialpox. The natural host of Rickettsia akari is the house mouse. Humans are accidental hosts who become infected when bitten by an infected mouse mite. The disease was first recognized in New York City. Now rare in the US, it still occurs in the Mediterranean, Russia, Korea, and South Africa. The incubation time, from mite bite to first symptoms, is 7 to 12 days. The disease is self-limited, which means it usually goes away on its own.

What are the causes and risks of the disease?

Rickettsialpox is caused by the organism, Rickettsia akari. It is more likely to be passed to humans in crowded and mouse-infested housing conditions.

What are the signs and symptoms of the disease?

The main symptoms of rickettsialpox are:

The site of the bite often develops a black scab about the time fever starts. A red rash with bumps and tiny blisters may appear 2 to 4 days after the fever. The rash covers the entire body, including the palms, soles, and mucous membranes.

How is the disease diagnosed?

Rickettsia akari can be found in the blood during the early stages of illness. More often the diagnosis is made when antibodies to the organism are detected in the blood.

What can be done to prevent the disease?

The best way to prevent rickettsialpox is to control mice and their mites.

What are the long-term effects of the disease?

There are no long term effects from rickettsialpox.

What are the risks to others?

Rickettsialpox is not contagious. But a person living in the same mouse-infested housing is at greater risk of getting the infection.

What are the treatments for the disease?

Antibiotics such as tetracycline, doxycycline, and chloramphenicol can be used to treat rickettsialpox.

What are the side effects of the treatments?

Antibiotics may cause stomach upset, diarrhea, or an allergic reaction.

What happens after treatment for the disease?

Even without treatment, rickettsialpox is fairly mild and self-limiting. Treatment does make the symptoms go away faster.

How is the disease monitored?

Any new or worsening symptoms should be reported to the healthcare provider.

Author:Danielle Zerr, MD
Date Written:
Editor:Duff, Ellen, BA
Edit Date:10/05/00
Reviewer:Gail Hendrickson, RN, BS
Date Reviewed:07/01/01

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