Wanted: Rickettsia rickettsii
Known to cause Spotted fever
By: Dalton
How it spreads
It is transmitted by the bite of an infected tick while feeding on warm-blooded animals. Once a tick becomes infected with this pathogen, they are infected for life.
Common Prey
Mostly mammals including mice, dogs, and rabbits. Also known to happen to humans. There are 1200 reported cases yearly.
Symtoms
They include: fever, headache, abdominal pain, vomiting, and muscle pain. A rash can also develop, but in some patients it never develops.
Treatments
Doxycycling and Chloramephenicol are the most common drugs of choice for reducing the symptoms associated with Rickettsia rickettsii. If not treated it can cause organ falure.
Where it is found
Usually located in the western hemisphere, the Americas and central America.
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever