Tickborne relapsing fever - United States, 1990-2011

Area of Science:

• Zoonotic diseases
• Epidemiology
• Infectious diseases

Background:

• Tickborne relapsing fever (TBRF) is a zoonotic disease caused by Borrelia spirochetes transmitted by Ornithodoros ticks.
• It is endemic in western US mountainous regions, presenting with recurrent fever, headache, and malaise.
• While often mild, TBRF can lead to severe outcomes, including death.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize the epidemiology of TBRF cases in the western United States.
• To identify demographic trends and risk factors associated with TBRF infections.
• To inform clinicians and public health officials for improved diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of 504 TBRF cases reported from 12 western states.
• Data collected over a 22-year period (1990-2011).
• Epidemiological data included patient demographics and geographic location.

Main Results:

• TBRF cases were most frequent in males and individuals aged 10–14 and 40–44 years.
• The majority of infections occurred in non-resident visitors to endemic areas.
• The study period spanned from 1990 to 2011, covering 504 reported cases.

Conclusions:

• Understanding current TBRF epidemiology is vital for effective clinical diagnosis and patient management.
• Public health practitioners must investigate and eliminate ongoing exposure sources indicated by TBRF cases.
• Continued surveillance and awareness are necessary to control the spread of this tick-borne illness.