Tickborne relapsing fever - United States, 1990-2011.
Year: 2015
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Tickborne relapsing fever (TBRF) is a zoonosis caused by spirochetes of the genus Borrelia and transmitted to humans by ticks of the genus Ornithodoros. TBRF is endemic in the western United States, predominately in mountainous regions. Clinical illness is characterized by recurrent bouts of fever, headache, and malaise. Although TBRF is usually a mild illness, severe sequelae and death can occur. This report summarizes the epidemiology of 504 TBRF cases reported from 12 western states during 1990-2011. Cases occurred most commonly among males and among persons aged 10‒14 and 40‒44 years. Most reported infections occurred among nonresident visitors to areas where TBRF is endemic. Clinicians and public health practitioners need to be familiar with current epidemiology and features of TBRF to adequately diagnose and treat patients and recognize that any TBRF case might indicate an ongoing source of potential exposure that needs to be investigated and eliminated.
Source: PubMed Central
Authors: Joseph D Forrester, Anne M Kjemtrup, Curtis L Fritz, Nicola Marsden-Haug, Janell B Nichols, Leslie A Tengelsen, Rick Sowadsky, Emilio DeBess, Paul R Cieslak, Joli Weiss, Nicole Evert, Paul Ettestad, Chad Smelser, Jonathan Iralu, Randall J Nett, Elton Mosher, JoDee Summers Baker, Clay Van Houten, Emily Thorp, Aimee L Geissler, Kiersten Kugeler, Paul Mead
Language: English
Subfield: Parasitology
Field: Immunology and Microbiology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W82139729