1. Soft Tick Relapsing Fever - United States, 2012-2021.
- Author
-
Beeson AM, Kjemtrup A, Oltean H, Schnitzler H, Venkat H, Ruberto I, Marzec N, Cozart D, Tengelsen L, Ladd-Wilson S, Rettler H, Mayes B, Broussard K, Garcia A, Drake LL, Dietrich EA, Petersen J, Hinckley AF, Kugeler KJ, and Marx GE
- Subjects
- Animals, Humans, United States epidemiology, Anti-Bacterial Agents therapeutic use, Relapsing Fever diagnosis, Relapsing Fever drug therapy, Relapsing Fever epidemiology, Argasidae, Borrelia, Ornithodoros
- Abstract
Soft tick relapsing fever (STRF) (also known as tickborne relapsing fever) is a rare infection caused by certain Borrelia spirochetes and transmitted to humans by soft-bodied Ornithodoros ticks. In the United States, acquisition of STRF is commonly associated with exposure to rustic cabins, camping, and caves. Antibiotic treatment is highly effective for STRF, but without timely treatment, STRF can result in severe complications, including death. No nationally standardized case definition for STRF exists; however, the disease is reportable in 12 states. This report summarizes demographic and clinical information for STRF cases reported during 2012-2021 from states where STRF is reportable. During this period, 251 cases were identified in 11 states. The median annual case count was 24. Most patients with STRF (55%) were hospitalized; no fatalities were reported. The geographic distribution and seasonal pattern of STRF have remained relatively constant since the 1990s. Persons should avoid rodent-infested structures and rodent habitats, such as caves, in areas where STRF is endemic. STRF surveillance, prevention, and control efforts would benefit from a standardized case definition and increased awareness of the disease among the public and clinicians., Competing Interests: All authors have completed and submitted the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors form for disclosure of potential conflicts of interest. No potential conflicts of interest were disclosed.
- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
- View/download PDF