A ase history of concurrent Rocky Mountain spotted fever and human monocytic ehrlichiosis in Florida

Abstract

Concurrent Rocky Mountain spotted fever and human monocytic ehrlichiosis was documented for the first time in Florida. Both are acute, potentially fatal diseases whose pathogens are vectored by ticks commonly encountered in the Southeast, Dermacentor variabilis and Amblyomma americanum. Though rare in Florida, the rickettsial pathogens for both diseases are endemic within the state's tick populations. Researchers conducting field studies in heavily wooded areas of northcentral Florida are strongly advised to take precautions against tick bites (see recommendations CDC 2008b).