Rickettsialpox
Rickettsia akariRickettsialpox is a disease spread by a mite. It causes a chickenpox-like rash on the body.
Rash
Rashes involve changes in the color, feeling or texture of your skin.
Read Article Now Book Mark ArticleCauses
Rickettsialpox is caused by the bacteria, Rickettsia akari. It is commonly found in the United States in New York City and other city areas. It also has been seen in Europe, South Africa, Korea, and Russia.
The bacteria are spread by the bite of a mite that lives on mice.
Symptoms
The disease begins at the site of the mite bite as a painless, firm, red lump (nodule). The nodule develops into a fluid-filled blister that bursts and crusts over. This lump may be up to 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) wide. These lumps usually appear on the face, trunk, arms, and legs. They do not appear on the palms of hands and soles of feet. Symptoms usually develop 6 to 15 days after coming in contact with the bacteria.
Mite bite
Insect bites and stings can cause an immediate skin reaction. The bite from fire ants and the sting from bees, wasps, and hornets are most often pai...
Read Article Now Book Mark ArticleNodule
Skin nodules are solid or cystic raised bumps in the skin that are wider than 1 centimeter (cm), but less than 2 cm.
Read Article Now Book Mark ArticleOther symptoms may include:
- Discomfort in bright light (photophobia)
- Fever and chills
- Headache
- Muscle pain
- Rash that looks like chickenpox
Chickenpox
Chickenpox is a viral infection in which a person develops very itchy blisters all over the body. It was more common in the past. The illness is ra...
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Sweating
- Runny nose
- Sore throat
- Cough
-
Enlarged lymph nodes
Enlarged lymph nodes
Lymph nodes are present throughout your body. They are an important part of your immune system. Lymph nodes help your body recognize and fight germ...
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Loss of appetite
- Nausea or vomiting
The rash is not painful and usually clears within a week.
Exams and Tests
The health care provider will do an examination to look for a rash similar to the one in chickenpox.
If rickettsialpox is suspected, these tests will likely be done:
- Complete blood count (CBC)
CBC
A complete blood count (CBC) test measures the following:The number of white blood cells (WBC count)The number of red blood cells (RBC count)The numb...
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Tests of blood serum (serologic studies)
- Swabbing and culture of the rash
Culture of the rash
A skin or nail culture is a laboratory test to look for and identify germs that cause problems with the skin or nails. It is called a mucosal culture...
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Treatment
The goal of treatment is to cure the infection by taking antibiotics. Doxycycline is the drug of choice. Treatment with antibiotics shortens the duration of symptoms usually to 24 to 48 hours.
Without treatment, the disease usually resolves within 7 to 10 days.
Outlook (Prognosis)
A full recovery is expected when antibiotics are taken as instructed.
Possible Complications
There are usually no complications if the infection is treated.
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Contact your provider if you or your child has symptoms of rickettsialpox.
Prevention
Controlling mice helps prevent the spread of rickettsialpox.
References
Elston DM. Bacterial and rickettsial diseases. In: Callen JP, Jorizzo JL, Zone JJ, Piette WW, Rosenbach MA, Vleugels RA, eds. Dermatological Signs of Systemic Disease. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2017:chap 32.
Fournier P-E, Raoult D. Rickettsia akari (Rickettsialpox). In: Bennett JE, Dolin R, Blaser MJ, eds. Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 187.
Review Date: 7/28/2022
Reviewed By: Charles I. Schwartz MD, FAAP, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, General Pediatrician at PennCare for Kids, Phoenixville, PA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.