An infectious disease transmitted to humans by the bite of ticks . Other ticks transmit the infection in the southern U.S. and in Central and South America. The incidence of infection is 8 out of 100,000 people. Most cases occur in the spring and summer with about 1,000 cases reported per year. The incubation period of the illness is from 2 to 14 days after the tick bite .
Symptoms usually start suddenly with a persistent fever .
A rash will appear 2 to 5 days after the onset of the fever. The risk factors include recent hiking or exposure to ticks in an endemic area. The information provided herein should not be used for diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.