Question: What is (are) Ehrlichiosis ?

Answer: More detailed information on the diagnosis, management, and treatment of ehrlichiosis is available in Diagnosis and Management of Tickborne Rickettsial Diseases: Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Ehrlichioses, and Anaplasmosis – United States. 
                
*Case definitions have been updated since publication 
How to Contact the Rickettsial Zoonoses Branch at CDC 
                
The general public and healthcare providers should first call 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636) for questions regarding ehrlichiosis. If a consultation with a CDC scientist specializing in ehrlichiosis is advised, your call will be appropriately forwarded. 
                
 
Case Definitions 
                
As of January 1, 2008, E. chaffeensis and E. ewingii infections are reported under distinct reporting categories. 
                
2008 Case Definition 
                
 
Case Report Forms 
                
For confirmed and probable cases of ehrlichiosis that have been identified and reported through the National Notifiable Disease Surveillance System, states are also encouraged to submit additional information using the CDC Case Report Form (CRF). This form collects additional important information that routine electronic reporting does not, such as information on how the diagnosis was made, and whether the patient was hospitalized or died. If a different state-specific form is already used to collect this information, this information may be submitted to CDC in lieu of a CRF. 
                
2010 CDC Case Report Form: Tickborne Rickettsial Diseases (2010 version)  (PDF – 982kb; 3 pages) 
                
 
How to Submit Specimens to CDC for Ehrlichiosis Testing 
                
Private citizens may not directly submit specimens to CDC for testing. If you feel that diagnostic testing is necessary, consult your healthcare provider or state health department. 
State Health Departments: 
                
Specimens may be submitted to CDC for testing for ehrlichiosis. To coordinate specimen submission, please call 404-639-1075 during business hours (8:00 - 4:30 ET). 
                
  
U.S. Healthcare Providers: 
                
U.S. healthcare providers should not submit specimens for testing directly to CDC. CDC policy requires that specimens for testing be submitted through or with the approval of the state health department. Please contact your state health department, who will assist you with specimen submission and reporting of infection. For general questions about ehrlichiosis, please call 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636). If you have questions about a suspect ehrlichiosis case, please first consult your state health department. Healthcare providers requiring an epidemiologic or laboratory consultation on ehrlichiosis may also call 404-639-1075 during business hours (8:00 - 4:30 ET). Or 770-488-7100 after hours. 
Non U.S. Healthcare Providers: 
                
Non-U.S. healthcare providers should consult CDC prior to submitting specimens for testing. For general questions about ehrlichiosis, please call 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636). If you would like to discuss a suspect ehrlichiosis case with CDC, please call 404-639-1075 during business hours (8:00 - 4:30 ET), or 770-488-7100 after hours.