AI Generated Image
California resident becomes just the fourth person in the world to become infencted with tick-borne illness, officials say
The Independent • • health
Key Points:
- A California resident was diagnosed in April with Rickettsia lanei, marking the fourth known global case and third in the state of this rare tick-borne bacterial infection.
- Rickettsia lanei, related to the bacteria causing Rocky Mountain spotted fever, can cause severe symptoms including gangrene, coma, and death; transmission to humans remains extremely rare.
- The pathogen was first identified in California rabbit ticks in 2018, with confirmed human infections linked to outdoor activities such as golfing and camping in Northern California counties.
- Health officials urge physicians to consider early treatment with doxycycline for patients with tick exposure and recommend preventive measures like staying on trails and checking for ticks after outdoor activities.
- Additional research is needed to understand the prevalence of Rickettsia lanei, while the state also reports concerns about hantavirus and a seasonal flu virus spreading in wastewater.
