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Rare Tick-Borne Illness Strikes California Resident
14 Jun
Summary
- California confirms fourth global case of rare tick-borne illness.
- Bacteria 'Rickettsia lanei' likely contracted in Northern California.
- Infection is rare but can be severe, similar to Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
A California resident has been diagnosed with Rickettsia lanei, an extremely rare tick-borne illness. This diagnosis represents the fourth documented case worldwide. The California Department of Public Health confirmed the case in April, with the individual likely contracting the bacteria in Northern California.
The patient was hospitalized but has since been released. Rickettsia lanei was first identified in rabbit ticks in Sonoma County in 2018. Researchers discovered humans could be infected in 2023 following a severe illness experienced by a Bay Area man.
Officials note that while rare, Rickettsia lanei infections can be quite severe, comparable to Rocky Mountain spotted fever. This latter disease can cause serious symptoms and has a fatality rate of up to 10% in the U.S.
Scientists continue to study how Rickettsia lanei spreads and its effects on human health, acknowledging much remains unknown. Current recommendations for avoiding tick-borne illnesses include using repellent, staying on trails, and checking for ticks in grassy, wooded areas.
