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Mediterranean spotted fever in children returning from France
T L Treadwell1, S D Phillips, W J Jablonski
1Department of Medicine, Framingham Union Hospital, MA 01701.
American Journal of Diseases of Children (1960)
|September 1, 1990
Summary
Mediterranean spotted fever, a tick-borne illness, is rarely diagnosed in travelers. This report highlights two pediatric cases in southern France, emphasizing travel medicine
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Travel Medicine
Background:
- Mediterranean spotted fever (MSF) incidence is rising globally.
- MSF is infrequently diagnosed in international travelers.
- Tick-borne diseases pose risks to global travelers.
Observation:
- Two children presented with rash and lymphadenopathy after traveling in southern France.
- Neither child reported a tick bite.
- Clinical presentation mimicked other febrile exanthems.
Findings:
- Both children were diagnosed with MSF via serologic testing.
- Treatment with doxycycline was effective.
- Confirmed MSF in pediatric travelers highlights diagnostic challenges.
Implications:
- International travel can introduce pediatric patients to rare diseases.
- Clinicians should consider MSF in febrile exanthems in travelers.
- Raising awareness of MSF in pediatric travel medicine is crucial.
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