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      African tick bite fever

      Latest update: - Authors: Mieke Croughs, Ula Maniewski

      African tick bite fever is a bacterial infection that is transmitted by ticks. The ticks are primarily active from November through April. 

      The following symptoms appear about two weeks after infection:

      • a red ulcer with a dark centre at the site of the bite  
      • fever
      • headache
      • muscle ache
      • skin rash 

      The disease can be treated with antibiotics.

      Travellers are at risk during outdoor activities like camping, hiking or hunting in meadows or woods.  

      Risk areas

      African tick bite fever occurs in sub-Saharan Africa and the Caribbean.

      Prevention

      Ticks

      Protect yourself against tick bites.

      Vaccination

      There is no vaccine available.

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