Relapsing fever facts for kids

Relapsing fever is an infection caused by tiny living things called bacteria. These specific bacteria belong to a group known as Borrelia. This illness is sometimes called typhinia. It is spread to people by small insects like lice and tiny spider-like creatures called ticks.

The word "relapse" means to come back again after going away. The disease gets its name "relapsing fever" because the main symptoms, especially the fever, can disappear for a few days and then return. This can happen several times until the person is cured.

What is Relapsing Fever?

Relapsing fever is a serious illness that can make people very sick. It is caused by bacteria that enter the body. These bacteria are special because they can change their outer coat. This makes it hard for the body's immune system to fight them off.

How Does It Spread?

Relapsing fever is spread by two main types of tiny creatures:

• Lice: These are very small insects that live on people's bodies and hair. They feed on blood. When an infected louse bites a person, the bacteria can get into the person's body.
• Ticks: These are small creatures related to spiders. They live in grassy or wooded areas. Ticks also feed on blood. If an infected tick bites a person, the bacteria can spread.

The disease is not spread directly from person to person. It always needs a louse or a tick to carry the bacteria.

Where is Relapsing Fever Found?

Relapsing fever is more common in certain parts of the world.

• Louse-borne relapsing fever often happens in crowded places. This includes areas where people might not have good hygiene. It has caused large outbreaks in places like Africa.
• Tick-borne relapsing fever is found in many parts of the world. This includes areas in Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas. It is often linked to people sleeping in cabins or caves where infected ticks live.

Symptoms of Relapsing Fever

The symptoms of relapsing fever usually appear about 2 to 15 days after a person is bitten.

First Phase of Symptoms

The first phase of the illness starts suddenly.

• High fever, often reaching 104°F (40°C) or higher.
• Chills and shivering.
• Headache.
• Muscle and joint aches.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Fast heartbeat.

This first fever period usually lasts for about 3 to 7 days. After this, the fever and other symptoms suddenly disappear. The person might feel much better for a few days.

The Relapse Phase

After the symptoms go away, they come back. This is the "relapse."

• The fever returns, often as high as before.
• Other symptoms like headaches and muscle aches also come back.

This cycle of fever, then no fever, then fever again, can happen several times. Each time the fever comes back, it might be a bit less severe. Without treatment, a person can have many relapses.

Diagnosing Relapsing Fever

Doctors diagnose relapsing fever by looking for the bacteria in a person's blood.

• A blood sample is taken from the patient.
• The blood is then looked at under a microscope.
• The Borrelia bacteria can often be seen moving around in the blood.

Sometimes, special blood tests are done to confirm the infection.

Treating Relapsing Fever

Relapsing fever is treated with antibiotics. These are medicines that kill bacteria.

• Common antibiotics used include tetracycline or erythromycin.
• Treatment usually starts as soon as the disease is suspected.
• Most people get better quickly after starting antibiotics.

It is very important to get treatment. If left untreated, relapsing fever can cause serious problems. It can affect the brain, heart, or other organs. In some cases, it can even be deadly.

Preventing Relapsing Fever

Preventing relapsing fever means avoiding the lice and ticks that carry the bacteria.

• Avoid lice: Practice good hygiene, like regular bathing and washing clothes. Avoid sharing personal items like combs or hats.
• Avoid ticks: When in areas where ticks might be, wear long sleeves and pants. Use insect repellent. Check your body carefully for ticks after spending time outdoors. Remove any ticks quickly and carefully.
• Control rodents: Some ticks that carry the bacteria live on rodents. Controlling rodents around homes can help.

By taking these steps, people can reduce their risk of getting relapsing fever.

See also

In Spanish: Fiebre reincidente para niños