Tick borne illness caused by Rickettsia rickettsii
Carried by American dog tick (Dermacentor variabilis)
Organism invades the endothelial lining of capillaries and causes small vessel vasculitis
History / PE:
HA, fever
Centripetal rash (wrist/ankles to trunk)
Malaise
AMS or DIC (severe cases)
Diagnosis:
Rash starts on wrists and ankles and spreads centrally (centripetal rash)
Treatment:
Doxycycline (first line)
Chloramphenicol (pregnant women and kids)
