[Rickettsiosis is a neglected cause of fever in returned travellers]

Abstract

We present two cases of rickettsial infections in travellers caused by Rickettsia typhi and R. africae respectively. The two cases illustrate the widely varying symptomatology and aetiology. Incidence and treatment of the disease are discussed. The diagnosis is complex, and we believe that rickettsiosis is an underestimated cause of fever in returned travellers from the tropics. In the past two years only 26 cases have been diagnosed in Denmark. Whenever rickettsiosis is clinically suspected, empiric treatment with doxycycline should be initiated.