Other Spotted Fevers
In addition to Rickettsia rickettsia, the agent of Rocky Mountain spotted fever, there are other similar agents transmitted by ticks that have been shown to cause human infections. In the United States, these include: Rickettsia parkeri and Rickettsia phillipi (proposed). It is likely that some human illnesses currently being attributed to RMSF are actually caused by these distinct rickettsial species, and more research is needed to determine their prevalence and geographic distribution.
What you need to know
Questions and Answers Frequently asked questions about Rickettsii parkeri, imported tickborne rickettsial diseases, and other tickborne spotted fevers.
Prevention and Control Preventing tick bites and controlling ticks around your home are the primary ways to prevent disease.
- Page last reviewed: April 1, 2008
- Page last updated: October 23, 2008
- Content source: Division of Viral and Rickettsial Diseases, National Center for Zoonotic, Vector-Borne, and Enteric Diseases
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