Open AccessPersistent Fever and Exanthema in a Family: A Case Report of Mediterranean Spotted Fever
Author(s) -
Ng CP,
Chung CH
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
hong kong journal of emergency medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.145
H-Index - 12
eISSN - 2309-5407
pISSN - 1024-9079
DOI - 10.1177/102490790501200210
Subject(s) - boutonneuse fever , medicine , rash , pediatrics , spotted fever , family history , rickettsiosis , dengue fever , familial mediterranean fever , disease , presentation (obstetrics) , fever of unknown origin , dermatology , immunology , surgery , rickettsia , pathology , virus
Mediterranean spotted fever (also called Boutonneuse fever) is a notifiable disease in Hong Kong, but its diagnosis can be difficult. We report a case of Mediterranean spotted fever in a middle‐aged man who presented with persistent fever, headache, and skin rash. Three weeks ago, his daughter had similar presentations. With a history of similar clinical presentation within family members, the possibility of potential exposure to a common disease vector should be suspected. Establishing an early diagnosis may be possible if this important history is obtained. Early recognition of this disease may lead to early therapeutic intervention, resulting in decreased morbidity and shortened duration of hospital stay.