phlebotomus fever /fləbot″əməs/ [Gk, phleps + tomos, cutting; L, febris, fever] , an acute mild infection caused by one of five distinct arboviruses transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected sandfly, characterized by rapidly developing fever, headache, eye pain, conjunctivitis, myalgia, and occasionally a macular or urticarial rash. Aseptic meningitis also may occur. The disease is widespread in hot, dry areas where sandflies abound, and it has been seen in Panama and Brazil. Phlebotomus fever is self-limited. No fatalities have been recorded, and no specific therapy is available. Bed rest, fluids, and aspirin are recommended. A second attack may occur a few weeks after the first. Also called ephemeral fever, pappataci fever, sandfly fever, three-day fever.
