Information for Health Care Professionals

Guidelines and Recommendations

Diagnosis and Management of Tickborne Rickettsial Diseases: Rocky Mountain Spotter Fever, Ehrlichioses, and Anaplasmosis – United States

Case Definitions

Ehrlichiosis Case Definition
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (Rickettsia rickettsii)

Specimen Submission

Who May Submit Specimens and How Should They Be Submitted?

State Health Departments:

If you would like information on the protocol for specimen submission, click here.

U.S. Physicians:

Please contact your state health department before sending specimens to CDC. If you have need to consult CDC on a patient, please call 404 639 1075.

Non U.S. Physicians:

Please consult CDC prior to shipping specimens. Consultation is available 24 hours a day by calling 770-488-7100. During normal business hours (8:00 - 4:30 ET) the phone number is 404 639 1075.

Individuals other than physicians or appropriate state health department employees:

Private citizens may not submit specimens to CDC for testing. If you feel that diagnostic testing is necessary, consult your physician or state health department.