Rickettsialpox

Rickettsialpox is an infection that is passed to humans by the bite of a house mouse mite.

What is going on in the body?

Rickettsia akari is the organism that causes rickettsialpox. The natural host of Rickettsia akari is the house mouse. Humans are accidental hosts who become infected when bitten by an infected mouse mite. The disease was first recognized in New York City. Now rare in the US, it still occurs in the Mediterranean, Russia, Korea, and South Africa. The incubation time, from mite bite to first symptoms, is 7 to 12 days. The disease is self-limited, which means it usually goes away on its own.

What are the causes and risks of the disease?

Rickettsialpox is caused by the organism, Rickettsia akari. It is more likely to be passed to humans in crowded and mouse-infested housing conditions.