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Relapsing fever

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Relapsing fever is an infectious disease that can be passed to humans by ticks. Relapsing fever is most common in the western United States.

Symptoms usually start 3 to 11 days (average 6 days) after the tick bite. They may last for several days, go away, and then return (relapse) several days later. Symptoms of relapsing fever include:

  • High fever that begins suddenly.
  • Headache, often severe.
  • Rapid heart rate.
  • Muscle aches (myalgia).
  • Abdominal pain.
  • General feeling of illness (malaise).
  • Rash (up to 50% of cases).

Prescription medicine is used to treat relapsing fever.

The Health Encyclopedia contains general health information. Not all treatments or services described are covered benefits for Kaiser Permanente members or offered as services by Kaiser Permanente. For a list of covered benefits, please refer to your Evidence of Coverage or Summary Plan Description. For recommended treatments, please consult with your health care provider.