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Rickettsialpox
Rickettsia akari
Rickettsialpox is a disease spread by a mite. It causes a chickenpox-like rash on the body.
Rash
Rashes involve changes in the color, feeling or texture of your skin.
Causes
Rickettsialpox is caused by the bacteria, Rickettsia akari . It is commonly found in the United States in New York City and other city areas. It also has been seen in Europe, South Africa, Korea, and Russia.
The bacteria are spread by the bite of a mite that lives on mice.
Symptoms
The disease begins at the site of the mite bite as a painless, firm, red lump ( nodule ). The nodule develops into a fluid-filled blister that bursts and crusts over. This lump may be up to 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) wide. Symptoms usually develop 6 to 15 days after coming in contact with the bacteria.
Mite bite
Insect bites and stings can cause an immediate skin reaction. The bite from fire ants and the sting from bees, wasps, and hornets are most often pai...
Nodule
Skin nodules are solid or cystic raised bumps in the skin that are wider than 1 centimeter (cm), but less than 2 cm.
Other symptoms may include:
- Discomfort in bright light ( photophobia )
- Fever and chills
- Muscle pain
-
Rash that looks like
chickenpox
Chickenpox
Chickenpox is a viral infection in which a person develops very itchy blisters all over the body. It was more common in the past. The illness is ra...
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The rash is not painful and usually clears within a week.
Exams and Tests
The health care provider will do an examination to look for a rash similar to the one in chickenpox.
If rickettsialpox is suspected, these tests will likely be done:
-
Complete blood count (
CBC
)
CBC
A complete blood count (CBC) test measures the following:The number of red blood cells (RBC count)The number of white blood cells (WBC count)The tota...
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-
Swabbing and
culture of the rash
Culture of the rash
A skin or nail culture is a laboratory test to look for and identify germs that cause problems with the skin or nails. It is called a mucosal culture...
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Treatment
The goal of treatment is to cure the infection by taking antibiotics.
Outlook (Prognosis)
A full recovery is expected when antibiotics are taken as instructed.
Possible Complications
There are usually no complications if the infection is treated.
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Call your provider if you or your child has symptoms of rickettsialpox.
Prevention
Controlling mice helps prevent the spread of rickettsialpox.
References
Paddock CD. Rickettsialpox. In: Magill AJ, Hill DR, Solomon T, Ryan ET, eds. Hunter's Tropical Medicine and Emerging Infectious Diseases . 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2013:chap 65.
Raoult D. Rickettsia akari (Rickettsialpox). In: Bennett JE, Dolin R, Blaser MJ, eds. Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases, Updated Edition . 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2015:chap 189.
Review Date: 8/31/2016
Reviewed By: Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
