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Disease overviewRegional

What is tick-borne relapsing fever?

Tick-borne relapsing fevers are Borrelia infections that can cause repeated episodes of fever, headache and muscle pain separated by periods of improvement.

Reviewed by VuxLore® Knowledge Team For Everyone

Short answer

Tick-borne relapsing fevers are Borrelia infections that can cause repeated episodes of fever, headache and muscle pain separated by periods of improvement.

At a glance

Soft-tick and hard-tick forms involve different Borrelia species, vectors and exposure patterns, so travel and accommodation history matter.

Key takeaways

• Repeated fever needs medical assessment.

• Mention cabin, cave and travel exposure.

• Diagnosis and treatment require a clinician.

More than one disease pattern

Soft tick relapsing fever is linked to Ornithodoros ticks and, in parts of North America, rodent-infested rustic buildings. Hard tick relapsing fever includes infection with Borrelia miyamotoi.

Seek care rather than waiting for another episode

Symptoms can overlap with other infections. Tell the clinician where and when you stayed, outdoor activities and any known tick bite.

Sources and further reading

US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: About Tick and Louse-borne Relapsing Fevers

US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Tickborne Diseases of the United States