Tick Alert Group Support Incorporated

Flinders Island Spotted Fever

Also known as

FISF

Caused by

Rickettsia honei.

This is an obligate, intracellular bacterial parasite that proliferates within the endothelial cells of small blood vessels, causing a vasculitis.

Transmitted by

Ixodes holocyclus (Australian Paralysis Tick), possibly other species such as Ixodes tasmani (Possum Tick), Aponomma hydrosauri (a reptile tick).

People at risk

In 1991 26 cases of a spotted fever-like illness occurring over a 17 year period in the population of about 1000 of Flinders Island were reported. Has also been contracted in Tasmania, Victoria and NSW.  Occurs mainly in the Spring and Summer. A recent report (Medical Journal of Australia, 2005) has found cases of the infection in coastal areas south of Adelaide.

Initial Symptoms

The usual features are high fever, headache, muscle aches (myalgia), slight cough, and arthralgia without joint swelling, occurring abruptly 5 to 6 days after a tick bite. Eschars and regional lymphadenopathy are less frequent than in Australian Spotted Fever.

Later Symptoms

 Maculopapular rash about 5 days after the onset of the initial signs. 

Recovery

As for Australian Spotted Fever (Queensland Tick Typhus).

Diagnosis

As for Australian Spotted Fever (Queensland Tick Typhus).

Treatment

As for Australian Spotted Fever (Queensland Tick Typhus).

Similar Infections

Australian Spotted Fever (Queensland Tick Typhus)