Tickborne rickettsial diseases (TBRD) are a set of distinct diseases with similar signs and symptoms that are transmitted to humans by tick bites. In the United States, these diseases include 1) Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF), 2) ehrlichiosis, 3) anaplasmosis, and 4) emerging diseases such as Rickettsia parkeri infection. The reported incidence of these diseases has increased during the previous decade. The illnesses associated with these diseases can vary from mild symptoms treated at home, to severe infections requiring hospitalization for care, with the potential for death in rare cases. Although easily treated with the antibiotic doxycycline, these diseases can be difficult for physicians to appropriately suspect and diagnose. However, early recognition and treatment of infection is important to decrease the risk for serious outcome. Preventing exposure to ticks and tick habitat is important to prevent exposure to TBRD.
Tickborne Diseases
- For a list of other tickborne diseases,
- including Lyme disease, tickborne replasing fever, Southern Tick-associated Rash Illness, etc.
- More >>
- Anaplasmosis
- Basic Information,
- Question and Answers
- Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
- Basic Information,
- Statistics,
- Question and Answers
- Ehrlichiosis
- Basic Information,
- Statistics,
- Other Spotted Fevers
- Basic Information,
- Statistics,
- Question and Answers
What you need to know
- Questions and Answers Frequently asked questions about tickborne rickettsial diseases...
- Prevention and Control Preventing tick bites and controlling ticks around your home are the primary ways to prevent...
News & Highlights
- CDC MMWR: Anaplasma phagocytophilum Transmitted Through Blood Transfusion --- Minnesota, 2007 A Case Report with recommendations for clinicians
- Diagnosis and Management of Tickborne Rickettsial Diseases: Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Ehrlichioses, and Anaplasmosis United States: A Practical Guide for Physicians and Other Health-Care and Public Health Professionals

If you DO find a tick attached to your skin, there is no need to panic. Not all ticks are infected, and studies suggest it may take several hours or even days for infected ticks to transmit the rickettsia that cause infection. Therefore, your chances of contracting a tickborne disease are greatly reduced if you remove a tick quickly after attachment. If you come down with flu-like symptoms in the several weeks following tick attachment, see a physician immediately.
Specific Groups
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