Serologic tests available to confirm a diagnosis of RMSF include IHA, IFA, and latex agglutination. Antibodies appear within 7-10 days of onset of illness and decline within 2 months. The length of time required and the potential hazard to laboratory personnel make culturing the organism impractical for clinical management. Prompt treatment has reduced mortality from 25 percent to 5 percent. Chloramphenicol is the preferred treatment in children under 8 years of age.
Intravenous chloramphenicol is recommended when central nervous system symptoms are present.
Treatment should continue for 5-7 days or at least 48 hours after resolution of fever. Untreated patients can require weeks to months to recover. Survivors develop permanent immunity against future attacks. Babesia microti in the Northeast Babesia equi in West Coast states This malaria-like illness is caused by a protozoan parasite that invades erythrocytes. While babesiosis most often occurs after a tick bite, the disease also has been transmitted through blood transfusion.