Relapsing fever
Alternative Names
Tick-borne relapsing fever, Louse-borne relapsing feverSymptoms
- Sudden onset of high fever
- Rigors
- Headache; neck stiffness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Muscle aches (myalgia)
- Joint aches (arthralgia)
- Bleeding
- Seizures
- Unsteady gait
- Facial droop
- Coma
- Weakness
Exams and Tests
Relapsing fever should be suspected in persons coming from a high-risk area who have repeated episodes of fever. This is particularly true if the fever is followed by a "crisis" stage, and if the person may have been exposed to lice or soft-bodied ticks.
A blood smear is frequently taken to see what is causing the infection. Certain blood antibody tests are sometimes used.
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