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Relapsing Fever in
Washington State
Tick-borne relapsing
fever is among the most common tick-borne illnesses
contracted in Washington State. One to 12 cases are reported
annually. Exposures are almost always associated with
overnight stays in rural cabins. The louse-borne form of
this disease is not endemic to the United States and it
would be rare even in travelers returning to Washington
State.
Purpose of Reporting and
Surveillance
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To educate potentially exposed persons about
signs and symptoms of disease to facilitate early diagnosis
and treatment.
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To inform owners of potentially
tick-infested property (e.g., a vacation cabin) how to
reduce their risk of exposure.
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To identify endemic geographic areas within
Washington state.
Reporting Requirements
- Health care providers: immediately notifiable to
Local Health Jurisdiction
- Hospitals: immediately notifiable to Local Health
Jurisdiction
- Laboratories: no requirements for notification
- Local health jurisdictions: notifiable to DOH
Communicable Disease Epidemiology within 7 days of case
investigation completion or summary information required
within 21 days
Last
update
Dec. 2007 |
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