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Californian is infected with a rare tick-borne illness. What to know
Los Angeles Times • • health
Key Points:
- A Northern Californian has been confirmed as the fourth person diagnosed with the rare tick-borne disease caused by Rickettsia lanei bacteria, which produces symptoms similar to Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
- The patient was seriously ill and hospitalized but has since been discharged and is recovering; the infection was diagnosed in April 2024.
- Rickettsia lanei, recently added to the list of transmittable pathogens, is transmitted by ticks common in California, including the Pacific Coast tick, and has been linked to severe symptoms and hospitalizations in previous cases.
- The disease is rare and may be underreported due to symptom similarity with Rocky Mountain spotted fever, but public health officials urge awareness and precautions against tick bites.
- Preventative measures against tick bites include vigilance in outdoor areas, as ticks can also transmit other diseases like Lyme disease.
