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south african tick-bite fever

south african tick-bite fever is a disease passed to humans by ticks that are infected with an organism called rickettsia africae. these ticks, known as buffalo ticks, usually live on cattle in southern africa.

symptoms usually begin within 2 weeks after you get the tick bite. symptoms may include:

  • fever and chills.
  • multiple crusty skin sores, or sores that look like ulcers.
  • swelling in the area of the skin sores.
  • generalized swollen glands.

unlike some tick-borne diseases, south african tick-bite fever does not cause a rash.

a person who has south african tick-bite fever is treated with antibiotics.

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this information does not replace the advice of a doctor. healthwise, incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. your use of this information means that you agree to the terms of use and privacy policy. to learn more about healthwise, visit healthwise.org. © 1995-2022 healthwise, incorporated. healthwise, healthwise for every health decision, and the healthwise logo are trademarks of healthwise, incorporated.

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