infections
Overview of Rickettsial Infections
Symptoms of Rickettsial Infections
Different rickettsial infections tend to cause similar symptoms: Fever Severe headache A characteristic rash A general feeling of illness (malaise) A sore covered by a black scab (eschar) may form at the site of the bite. Because the rash often does not appear for several days, early rickettsial infection is often mistaken for a common viral infection, such as influenza. People may have swollen lymph nodes. As the infection progresses, people typically experience confusion and severe weakness—often with cough, difficulty breathing, and sometimes vomiting. When the infection is advanced, gangrene may develop, the liver or spleen may enlarge, the kidneys may malfunction, and blood pressure may fall dangerously low (causing Shock ). Death can result. 