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Relapsing fever

Alternative Names:

Tick-borne relapsing fever, Louse-borne relapsing fever

Treatment:

Treatment involves antibiotics, most often tetracycline, doxycycline, or penicillin.

Expectations (prognosis):

The death rate for untreated LBRF ranges from 10-70%. In TBRF, it is 4-10%. With early treatment, the death rate is reduced. Those who have developed coma, myocarditis, liver problems, and pneumonia have at higher risk of death.

Complications:

Calling your health care provider:

Notify your medical provider if you are a returning traveler and you develop fever -- there are many different possible infections that will need to be investigated in a timely manner.

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