How can rickettsia be prevented

The information and data on this site is subject to change without notice. The Government of South Australia may revise this disclaimer at any time by updating this posting.

Users are advised to confirm the application or payment by other means. Do you have an emergency? Close overlay Button to close overlay. Rickettsial infections - including symptoms, treatment and prevention On this page The Rickettsiae are a diverse group of bacteria some of which can be transmitted to humans via the bites of fleas, lice, ticks or mites.

These species include: Rickettsia australis - Queensland tick typhus Orientia tsutsugamushi - scrub typhus Rickettsia honei - Flinders Island spotted fever Rickettsia typhi - murine typhus. How rickettsial infections are spread Rickettsiae are usually injected directly from the saliva of ticks and mites as they feed on humans and, in the case of fleas, by contamination of bite sites by faeces.

Signs and symptoms of rickettsial infections There is great variation in the range and severity of symptoms experienced. Other typical symptoms may include: fever headache muscle aches swollen lymph glands cough rash. Less common severe infections can be associated with confusion and breathing difficulties.

Diagnosis of rickettsial infections Given that these infections are not common and usually mild they can be difficult to diagnose. Incubation period time between becoming infected and developing symptoms Between 3 to 10 days. Infectious period time during which an infected person can infect others Infections are not transmitted from person to person. Treatment for rickettsial infections Treatment is usually with the tetracycline antibiotic doxycycline which reduces the duration and severity of infection.

Prevention of rickettsial infections Exclusion of people with rickettsial infections from childcare, preschool, school and work is not necessary. Google Scholar. Anderson B. In: Rickettsiology: Current issues and perspectives, K.

Hechemy, D. Paretsky, D. Walker, L. Mallavia Eds. Animals — In: R. Goldsmith, D. Heyneman Eds. In: Proc. Ching W. Comparison with other S-layer proteins. Benenson, Ed. Dasch G. A 74— WHO — North America: Small Animal Practice — Prophylactic administration of doxycycline in a randomized double blind trial. A 79— Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press, Petri, William Jr. Salgo, Miklos P. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. Bethesda, MD: U.

The disease is characterized by a fever and a rash that starts on the extremities, including the soles of the feet and palms of the hands. Typhus is transmitted by insects such as lice and chiggers. Two forms of typhus, epidemic disease and scrub typhus, are fatal if untreated. Books Cormican, M. Prescott, L.