Ehrlichiosis is a tick-borne illness transmitted to humans. It is primarily found in the southwestern areas of the United States and somewhat in the upper Midwest. It has been seen in Oklahoma, Missouri, Virginia, Georgia and Illinois. The Lonestar tick is the most frequent culprit. You can see an example of the Lonestar tick in our tick section on Survive Outdoors. Ehrlichiosis does resemble Rocky Mountain spotted fever. The incubation period is anywhere from 7-21 days. An incubation period is defined as the time between exposure (being bitten by tick) and appearance of your first symptoms.

Signs and Symptoms

Symptoms associated with Ehrlichiosis may be broad ranging, from a very mild flu like presentation to a life-threatening situation. Symptoms may also be similar to those associated with Lyme disease. In ehrlichiosis, approximately 35% of patients do develop a red dot type rash. It is unlike a Lyme disease rash in appearance. The rash occurs more commonly in children and young adults and targets the palms and soles of the feet in less than 10% of the cases, according to Auerbach. Treatment should begin as soon as Ehrlichiosis is suspected, even before a diagnosis is made.

Ehrlichiosis Treatment

Tetracycline and Doxycycline have been found to be very effective.