Symptoms:
- Painless, firm, red nodule that develops into a fluid-filled blister that bursts and crusts over, may be an inch wide
- Fever and chills
- Sweating (diaphoresis)
- Muscle pain (myalgia)
- Rash that looks like chicken pox
- Discomfort when in bright light (photophobia)
Signs and tests:
Physical examination confirms the presence of a rash that resembles chicken pox.
Tests include:
- Serologic studies demonstrate antibody titers to Rickettsia akari
- CBC