East African Tick Fever

East African tick fever is an infectious disease caused by Rickettsia and transmitted through tick bites. It is also known as African tick-borne rickettsiosis.

The disease is common in Eastern and Southern Africa. The causative agent is the bacterium Rickettsia africae from the group of rickettsiae. The main carrier of the disease is Amblyomma ticks.

Symptoms of East African tick fever appear 1-3 weeks after being bitten by an infected tick. These include fever, headaches, muscle and joint pain, and skin rash. Some patients may have nausea, vomiting, cough, or sore throat. Complications are rare.

Diagnosis is based on clinical manifestations, epidemiological data and laboratory tests. Treatment includes antibiotics, most commonly doxycycline. With timely treatment, the prognosis is favorable.

Prevention of the disease consists of protection against tick bites and timely removal of attached ticks. A vaccine against East African tick fever has not yet been developed.