Rocky Mountain spotted fever |
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Authors: | NL Lacz RA Schwartz R Kapila |
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Institution: | UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey 07103-2714, USA. |
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Abstract: | Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) is an unusual but important dermatological condition to identify without hesitation. The classic triad of headache, fever, and a rash that begins on the extremities and travels proximally to involve the trunk is found in a majority of patients. The cutaneous centripetal pattern is a result of cell to cell migration by the causative organism Rickettsia rickettsii. Such individuals should receive prompt antimicrobial therapy and supportive care to avoid serious and potentially fatal complications. |
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Keywords: | rickettsiosis RMSF tick-borne disease zoonoses |
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