A75-A79: Rickettsioses

A79: Other rickettsioses

The group of conditions referred to as "other rickettsioses" encompasses several types of infections caused by rickettsia bacteria. These bacteria are spread primarily through insects - like ticks, fleas, and mites - biting a human, who subsequently develop the disease. Once infected, symptoms that commonly appear include high fever, headache, and rash, although the specifics may vary depending on the exact type of rickettsiosis. Disease progression is typically marked by the onset of these symptoms 5-14 days after the bite. If left untreated, possible complications of rickettsioses can, in severe cases, involve damage to the heart, blood vessels, and other major organs due to the bacteria’s preference for infecting the cells lining blood vessels. This group of conditions affects multiple systems in the body and can have widespread impacts on a person’s health.