Human ehrlichiosis is an illness which is spread by ticks. It can look similar to Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. The illness can range from mild to severe and can possibly become, life-threatening. Anyone can get ehrlichiosis, especially if they spend a lot of time outdoors.
People get ehrlichiosis from ticks, usually by a tick bite.
Some people become ill after crushing a tick with their hands because its body fluids get into cuts or scratches in the skin. Ehrlichiosis cannot spread from person to person or from dogs to people. Human ehrlichiosis can cause a sudden high fever, severe headache, and shaking chills. Loss -of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle aches, and mental confusion may also occur. A rash is not usually present.