Epidemic Relapsing Fever
Similar to epidemic typhus fever, epidemic relapsing fever has the potential to cause serious disease
in large numbers of people under certain conditions that contribute to heavy infestations of body
lice. For example, an epidemic in eastern Europe from 1919-1923 resulted in an estimated 13 million
cases and 5 million deaths. During and immediately after World War II, more than a million persons
were infected in Europe . Today, outbreaks of epidemic relapsing fever are limited primarily to Ethiopia,
where 1000-5000 cases are reported yearly, but the disease has the potential to re-emerge among refugees
during and following war and natural disasters.
- A bacterium, specifically a spirochete with the scientific name
Borrelia recurrentis.
- It is a large, mobile bacterium that spreads into various parts of the body.
- Formerly temperate regions, but now limited to high elevations in the tropics, primarily Ethiopia.
- NOTE: This disease does not occur in the U.S.
- Fever, dizziness, head and muscle ache, coughing, and vomiting.
- Episodes (a total of 2-5) of fever lasting several days followed by several days without fever.
- Severe disease includes liver and spleen enlargement and breathing difficulties.
- Humans are the only known reservoir.
- The human body louse
Pediculus humanus.
- Via body fluids of crushed, infected body lice that are scratched into the skin.
- NOTE: Spirochetes also may be able to penetrate intact human skin.
- Symptoms together with infestation by human body lice.
- Laboratory tests that detect antibodies to
Borrelia recurrentis in a patient's blood.
- An antibiotic prescribed by a physician.
- There is no vaccine available.
- Avoid human body louse infestations.