Siberian tick typhus /sībir″ē·ən/ [Siberia] , a mild acute febrile illness seen in north, central, and east Asia, caused by Rickettsia sibirica, transmitted by ticks. It is characterized by a diffuse maculopapular rash, headache, conjunctival inflammation, and a small ulcer or eschar at the site of the tick bite. Siberian tick typhus is considered to be a mild form of spotted fever and rarely exhibits further complications. Treatment with chloramphenicol or tetracycline is associated with an excellent prognosis. Also called North Asian tick typhus. See also Rickettsia, typhus.
