African tick bite fever is caused by a bacterium called Rickettsia africae. It was first identified in southern Africa in 1911.
The bacterium is transmitted by Amblyomma ticks, primarily A. variegatum (the tropical bont tick) and A. hebraeum (the southern African bont tick).
R. africae has been detected in 15 African countries and has been introduced into the West Indies along with A. variegatum ticks. This bacteria, and other Rickettsia species transmitted by ticks, belong to a group referred to as the Spotted Fever group Rickettsia.
Disease Prevention
Learn about steps that can be taken to help prevent mosquito and tick bites and ways to maximize protection against vector-borne illnesses.
Symptoms
Symptoms usually appear within two weeks after a tick bite and can include fever, headache, muscle soreness, and a rash. At the site of the tick bite will be a red skin sore with a dark center.
Information for Travelers
Travelers to sub-Saharan Africa or the West Indies are at risk of developing the disease. Outdoor activities may increase the risk. Travel between November and April and travel to South Africa have been identified as other risk factors.
Recent studies have indicated that between 4-11% of travelers to rural southern Africa had serolocal evidence of recent rickettsial infection.
It is important to take personal protective measures against ticks when visiting these areas.