Faculty Sponsor
Dr. Michel Shamoon Pour
Abstract
Rickettsia Africae is a pathogen that causes African tick-bite fever (ATBF). Transmission typically occurs from ticks within the Central and South African regions. Previous studies suggested that ATBF is not uncommon amongst travelers to rural sub-Saharan Africa, especially during the rainy months of November through April. However, this case report highlights a woman who contracted ATBF in novel conditions. The 70-year-old woman reported travelling strictly to and from the local church and hotel for her four-day stay in July. After returning to America, the patient experienced extreme irritation on her arm, as well as complaints of headaches. She presented to the clinic with no recollection of being near any tick-prone areas. The patient had four distinct tick bites on her arm and was placed on doxycycline. The findings of this case suggest that Rickettsia Africae is not limited to transmission in rural areas with vegetation. Thus, practitioners should be aware of the enduring risk of Rickettsia Africae transmission in “low-risk” environments.
Citation Style
APA
Recommended Citation
Sikder, Z. (2026). Rickettsia Africae Discovered in a Short-term Urban Traveller to South Africa: A Case Report. Binghamton University Undergraduate Journal, 11(2). Retrieved from https://orb.binghamton.edu/alpenglowjournal/vol11/iss2/13
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