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[Spotted fever imported into Norway in 1997]
M Jensenius1, P Gerlyng, G Hasle
1Medisinsk avdeling, Aker sykehus, Oslo.
Summary
Five Norwegian tourists contracted tick-borne rickettsioses after visiting southern Africa and Italy. Early diagnosis and antibiotic treatment with doxycycline or ciprofloxacin led to full recovery, highlighting the importance of recognizing these zoonoses in travelers.
Area of Science:
- Medical Entomology
- Infectious Diseases
- Travel Medicine
Background:
- Tick-borne rickettsioses are significant zoonotic diseases prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions.
- An increasing number of cases are being reported in travelers returning to Scandinavia.
- Rickettsia conorii is a primary cause of Mediterranean spotted fever, a type of tick-borne rickettsiosis.
Observation:
- This article details five serologically confirmed cases of imported tick-borne rickettsioses in Norway during 1997.
- The affected individuals were Norwegian tourists who had visited South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Italy.
Findings:
- Four patients presented with a characteristic eschar, and three developed a maculopapular rash.
- Diagnosis was confirmed via micro-immunofluorescence, detecting specific IgM antibodies to Rickettsia conorii.
- All patients received treatment with doxycycline or ciprofloxacin without reported complications.
Implications:
- These cases underscore the risk of acquiring tick-borne rickettsioses in endemic areas, even for short-term travelers.
- Prompt diagnosis and appropriate antibiotic therapy are crucial for managing these infections and preventing severe outcomes.
- Surveillance and awareness among healthcare providers are essential for identifying and treating imported zoonotic diseases.