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Rickettsial pox - Symptom

Symptoms:

The disease begins at the site of the mite bite as a painless, firm, red lump (nodule). The nodule develops into a fluid-filled blister that bursts and crusts over. This lump may be large -- almost up to an inch wide.

Other symptoms include:

  • Discomfort in bright light (photophobia)
  • Fever and chills
  • Muscle pain (myalgia)
  • Rash that looks like chickenpox
  • Sweating (diaphoresis)

The rash should clear up within a week.

Signs and tests:

The health care provider will do an examination to look for a rash similar to the one in chickenpox.

Tests include:

  • Complete blood count (CBC)
  • Tests of blood serum (serologic studies)
  • Reviewed last on: 7/26/2010
  • Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Raoult D, Rickettsia akari (Rickettsialpox). In: Mandell GL, Bennett JE, Dolin R, eds. Principles and Practice of Pediatric Infectious Diseases. 6th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone; 2005:chap 185.

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