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What is African tick bite fever?
African tick bite fever is a spotted fever rickettsiosis caused by Rickettsia africae and typically associated with fever, headache, muscle pain, swollen local lymph nodes and one or more dark eschars.
Reviewed by VuxLore® Knowledge Team For Travellers and residents
Short answer
At a glance
Key takeaways
A travel history can unlock the diagnosis
Amblyomma ticks are important vectors and may be encountered around livestock or wildlife. The illness is often mild to moderate, but self-diagnosis is unsafe because serious infections can look similar.
Do not wait for every textbook feature
Rash or an obvious remembered bite may be absent. Tell the clinician the countries, rural activities and dates involved.