rickettsialpox /riket″sē·əlpoks′/ [Howard T. Ricketts; ME, pokkes, pustules] , a mild, acute infectious disease caused by Rickettsia akari and transmitted from mice to humans by mites (Allo dermanyssus sanguineus). It is characterized by an asymptomatic crusted primary lesion, chills, fever, headache, malaise, myalgia, and a rash resembling chickenpox. About 1 week after onset of symptoms, small, discrete, maculopapular lesions appear on any part of the body, but rarely on palms or soles. These lesions become vesicular and dry and form scabs. Eventually the scabs fall off, leaving no scars. Chloramphenicol or tetracycline hastens recovery. Prevention involves the elimination of house mice. Also called Kew Gardens spotted fever. Compare Rocky Mountain spotted fever. See also Rickettsia.
