African Tick-Bite Fever in a Returning Traveler

Abstract

BackgroundAfrican tick bite fever (ATBF) is an emerging infection endemic to sub-Saharan Africa and increasingly noted in travelers to the region. Case ReportWe present a case of ATBF in a 63-year-old man who presented with complaints of a rash and fever to the emergency department. Why Should an Emergency Physician be Aware of This?Rickettsial diseases are increasingly common and are seen on every continent except Antarctica. Many factors are contributing to their prevalence, and they have become the second most common cause of fever behind malaria in the traveler returning from Africa. Due to the global distribution of rickettsial diseases, as well as increasing international travel, emergency physicians might encounter ill and febrile travelers. A careful travel history and examination will enable the emergency physician to consider spotted fever group rickettsial diseases in their differential diagnosis for single and multiple eschars.