Rickettsial pox

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Rickettsial pox is an infectious disease spread by a mite and characterized by a chickenpox-like rash.

Rickettsial pox is caused by Rickettsia akari. It is commonly found in the United States in New York City and other city areas. It also has been seen in South Africa, Korea, and Russia. It is spread by the bite of a mite which lives on mice (Liponyssoides sanguineus).

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

Several days later, the patient develops a fever and chills with sweating (diaphoresis), and muscle pain (myalgia). Over the next 2 to 3 days, a rash that looks like chickenpox develops. This rash clears up within a week.

Review Date: 09/25/2006
Reviewed By: Charlotte Grayson, MD, Private Practice specializing in Internal Medicine and Infectious Disease, Smyrna, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.