Quick Tick Quiz: Can You Spot the Fever?

Two young boys in different geographic regions on opposite coasts both had a febrile illness with rash. In both cases, the eventual diagnosis was Rocky Mountain spotted fever.

Most cases are misdiagnosed at the patient’s first visit. To provide an early, accurate diagnosis, physicians should become familiar with the risk factors, signs, and symptoms.

Last week, the CDC published a report, Diagnosis and Management of Tickborne Rickettsial Diseases, that offers extensive clinical information and guidance on these illnesses.

To find out what you already know about Rocky Mountain spotted fever, take this quick quiz based on the cases mentioned above.

Note: If you would like more information on any of the questions, a link to the original article, “Two Very Sick Kids on Two Opposite Coasts,” is provided on the last page of the quiz.

Question 1:

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The correct answer is B. Rickettsia rickettsii

Question 2.

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The correct answer is A. In Spring and Summer, among children aged 5-9 years

Question 3.

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The correct answer is D. Oklahoma, the Carolinas, and Tennessee

Question 4.

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The correct answer is E. A, B, and C

Question 5.

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The correct answer is B. 4-fold

Question 6.

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The correct answer is A. 6.5% vs 22.9%

Question 7.

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The correct answer is B. Doxycyline

Question 8.

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The correct answer is C. Ehrlichiosis

For more information on all questions and answers, please visit  “Two Very Sick Kids on Two Opposite Coasts.”