MARSEILLES FEVER Meaning and
Definition
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Marseilles Fever, also known as Boutonneuse fever or Mediterranean spotted fever, is a bacterial infectious disease caused by the organism Rickettsia conorii. Named after the city of Marseilles in France, where the disease was initially recognized, Marseilles Fever is predominantly endemic in countries surrounding the Mediterranean basin.
This disease is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected tick, primarily the brown dog tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus), which serves as the vector for the bacteria. The symptoms usually appear within 7 to 14 days after the tick bite and typically include fever, headache, muscle aches, chills, and a distinctive rash that starts on the extremities and spreads gradually towards the trunk.
Marseilles Fever is generally a self-limiting illness, lasting for about two weeks, and can be managed effectively with appropriate antibiotic treatment such as tetracycline or doxycycline. However, severe cases may occur in vulnerable individuals, particularly the elderly or those with weakened immune systems, leading to complications such as pneumonia, heart inflammation, or kidney failure.
Prevention of Marseilles Fever mainly revolves around avoiding tick bites by using insect repellents, wearing protective clothing, and regularly inspecting yourself and pets for ticks after being in tick-infested areas. Tick control measures, such as reducing their habitat and employing acaricides, can also be helpful in preventing tick-borne diseases like Marseilles Fever.
Overall, Marseilles Fever is an important infectious disease to be aware of in regions where it is prevalent, emphasizing the significance of tick bite prevention and early diagnosis for better management and prevention of potential complications.
Common Misspellings for MARSEILLES FEVER
- narseilles fever
- karseilles fever
- jarseilles fever
- mzrseilles fever
- msrseilles fever
- mwrseilles fever
- mqrseilles fever
- maeseilles fever
- madseilles fever
- mafseilles fever
- matseilles fever
- ma5seilles fever
- ma4seilles fever
- maraeilles fever
- marzeilles fever
- marxeilles fever
- mardeilles fever
- mareeilles fever
- marweilles fever
Etymology of MARSEILLES FEVER
The term "Marseilles fever" refers to a type of infectious disease called Q fever. However, the name does not actually originate from the city of Marseilles in France as one might assume. The term comes from a historical misunderstanding.
Q fever was first described in 1937 during an outbreak in Brisbane, Australia. The disease was initially referred to as "Query fever", as the cause and nature were unclear at the time. Later, in 1947, during an outbreak in Marseilles, France, the disease was reported again. Since the outbreak took place in Marseilles, it was wrongly assumed that the disease had originated there, thus leading to the name "Marseilles fever".
Despite the misleading name, Q fever has been reported worldwide and is caused by the bacteria Coxiella burnetii. It can be transmitted to humans through contact with infected animals, such as cattle, sheep, and goats.
