| Disease/Syndrome |
Southern tick-associated rash illness |
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| Category |
Infection, Occupational |
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| Acute/Chronic |
Acute-Moderate |
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| Synonyms |
STARI |
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| Comments |
This disease has not yet been completely defined. It resembles Lyme disease with the typical erythema migrans type of rash. However, Southern tick-associated rash illness (STARI) follows the bite of the lone star tick (Amblyomma americanum) while Lyme disease follows the bite of the black-legged tick (Ixodes scapularis or Ixodes pacificis). The spirochete, Borrelia burgdorferi, causes Lyme disease. Tests for Borrelia burgdorferi are negative in patients with STARI. A spirochete has been identified by electron microscopy in patients with STARI, but this organism has not yet been cultured. In case reports of patients with STARI, rash and flu-like symptoms resolved quickly after initiation of doxycycline therapy. [See hyperlink for references] Most cases appear to be caused by viral infections (not by Borrelia species) following the bite of the Lone star tick. [IDSA Guidelines. Clinical Infectious Diseases. 2006;43:1089-1134] |
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| Latency/Incubation |
6 days |
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| Diagnostic |
Testing available through CDC; |
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| Effective Antimicrobics |
Yes |
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| Scope |
Southeastern USA |
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| Reference Link |
CDC - STARI |
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| Related Information in Haz-Map |
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| Symptoms/Findings |
Symptoms/Findings associated with this disease:
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| Job Tasks |
High risk job tasks associated with this disease:
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