VESICULAR RICKETTSIOSIS

A mild infectious disease first observed in New York City, caused by Rickettsia akari, transmitted from its mouse host by chigger or adult mite bites. There is fever, a dark spot that becomes a small ulcer at the site of the bite, swollen glands (lymphadenopathy) in that region, and a raised blistery (vesicular) rash. Also known as rickettsialpox.