Clin Infect Dis 1999 Apr;28(4):853-9 Related Articles, Books, LinkOut  

Family cluster of Rocky Mountain spotted fever.

Jones TF, Craig AS, Paddock CD, McKechnie DB, Childs JE, Zaki SR, Schaffner W.

Epidemic Intelligence Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,

Soon after a patient from Tennessee died of Rocky Mountain spotted fever
(RMSF), several family members developed symptoms suggestive of the disease and
were treated presumptively for RMSF. Fifty-four persons visiting the index
patient's home were interviewed; serum samples were collected from 35. Three
additional cases of RMSF were confirmed, all of which occurred in first-degree
relatives. Time spent at the family home and going into the surrounding woods
were significantly associated with developing antibodies to Rickettsia
rickettsii. Ticks were collected and examined for rickettsiae by polymerase
chain reaction analysis. Because hyperendemic foci and family clusters of RMSF
can occur, when a case is suspected clinicians should be vigilant for signs and
symptoms consistent with R. rickettsii infection in other persons who may have
been similarly exposed.

PMID: 10825050 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]