Q: Who should I consult for relapsing fever?
A: In case of fever that lasts for more than a week especially in endemic areas or in people traveling to areas where relapsing fever is prevalent, the affected individual should consult a general physician and further reference to a specialist will be done accordingly.
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Q: How can we prevent relapsing fever?
A: Relapsing fever can be prevented by reducing the chances of tick or louse bites. This can be ensured by:
Use of protective equipment or clothing with full sleeves while working in an environment that could be having tick or lice infestation.
Light-colored clothing should be used so as to be able to spots ticks for easy removal. Remove ticks using tweezers and wash the area with soap and water. This area should be observed for any rash and immediate consultation with the physician in case of fever or rash.
Use repellents like DEET (diethyl toluamide) on the body or clothing.
Clothing that is infected should be discarded or it should be laundered at a high temperature (60°C). Dusting powder with repellents can be used in outbreak situations so as to reduce the infestation.
Public health departments should be made aware of endemic areas and measures should be taken to reduce high infestation by lice or ticks.
Q: What is familial Mediterranean fever?
A:
Familial Mediterranean fever is an inherited genetic condition that results in painful inflammation of the joints, abdomen and chest and is associated with fever and rash.
The first episode may occur early in adolescent life or much later in life. These episodes last for 1 to 3 days.
This condition is due to genetic mutation in the MEFV (Mediterranean fever) gene.
This is commonly seen in people of Arab, Turkish or Jewish ancestry.
