What is rickettsiosis?
Rickettsiosis is a disease caused by different bacteria in the Rickettsiaceae family. They are transmitted to humans, in general, by the bite of a tick or other arthropods such as fleas, lice or mites.
Rickettsiosis can affect anyone, although most cases are diagnosed in children, with a slight predominance in males, possibly related to greater exposure to tick habitats.
Rickettsiosis distribution
There are different species around the whole world.
Boutonneuse fever is the most common form of rickettsiosis in the countries of the Mediterranean basin. It is caused by R. conorii and is usually transmitted to humans through dog ticks (R. sanguineus) or Ixodid ticks.
International travellers are at risk of infection through tick bites while on safari trips in African countries, especially during the Southern Hemisphere’s summer months.
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