A single instance of a uncommon illness transmitted by ticks has been identified in an individual, marking just the fourth occurrence ever documented.
A California A resident recently tested positive for the bacterium Rickettsia lanei early this year, representing the third human case in the state and the fourth globally since the organism was initially discovered eight years ago.
In 2018, Rickettsia lanei was initially discovered in Sonoma County, California, within rabbit ticks.
The bacteria can cause severe life-threatening symptoms including symptoms like fever, gangrene—which refers to the death of bodily tissues—coma, and cerebral edema.
It belongs to the same family as Rocky Mountain spotted fever and other illnesses classified under spotted fever rickettsioses (SFR).
No confirmed mortality rate exists for Rickettsia lanei due to its rarity and recent discovery; however, the fatality rate for the comparable Rocky Mountain spotted fever ranges from five to ten percent.
The hare tick is recognized for being linked to the bacterium Rickettsia rickettsii, which is primarily responsible for Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Nevertheless, a paper In 2018, a new strain of spotted fever group rickettsia was identified in California.
Although it resembles Rickettsia rickettsii, it belongs to a distinct lineage that is separately supported from known strains.
Authorities verified the latest case of SF Gate but did not provide any information about the patient beyond stating that the individual was diagnosed in California this year.
Situated in northern California, Sonoma County is famous for its abundant vineyards. The area has a population of almost 500,000 residents and attracts roughly 10 million visitors annually.
Although scientists had been aware of Rickettsia lanei since 2018, its ability to affect humans remained unknown until 2023, when a man sought treatment at a California hospital due to feverish signs and muscle pain.
According to a 2024 case report At that point, physicians conducted tests on the patient for various illnesses, yet his health rapidly worsened. He was taken to the intensive care unit, where his oxygen levels dropped, he had seizures, and his blood turned acidic.
Once physicians eventually recognized the condition as an SFR illness, they administered the strong drug doxycycline.
He fell into a coma, experienced significant kidney damage, and suffered from gangrene in both hands.
He needed 22 days to regain his health and leave the hospital.
In 2026, scientists discovered *Rickettsia lanei* in ticks located within Contra Costa County, an area where the individual had been playing golf before becoming infected.
Anne Kjemtrup, a researcher and veterinary professional at the California Department of Public Health, stated to SF Gate: "This is a significant tick-borne disease carrier that individuals should know about."
And Janet Foley, a professor of medicine and epidemiology at the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, stated to the source: "It is the most hazardous, deadly vector-transmitted illness ... across the entire American continent."
Rickettsia lanei infection is uncommon, yet approximately 7,000 individuals contract SFR-related illnesses annually in the United States.
Additionally, 5,000 individuals have contracted Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
As per information provided by the CDC, the cluster of illnesses categorized under SFR is predominantly found in the central and southern regions of the United States, such as Kansas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama, Virginia, West Virginia, Tennessee, North Carolina, and Kentucky, along with Arizona.
Between 2019 and 2023, five states represented more than half of all reported spotted fever cases, namely Alabama, Missouri, North Carolina, Arkansas, and Tennessee.
In 2023, which is the most recent data available, North Carolina reported the highest number of SFR cases, with a rate of 21.13 incidents per 1 million individuals. This was closely trailed by Arkansas, which recorded a rate of 20.86 per 1 million residents.
Kentucky ranked third with 20.77 cases for every 1 million residents; Missouri came in fourth, reporting 18.08 cases per 1 million individuals, while Alabama placed fifth with a rate of 15.66 cases per 1 million people.
In 2023, California reported 0.31 instances of spotted fever illnesses for every 1 million residents.
As per the CDC, instances of SFR are more commonly documented among males compared to females, with individuals above the age of 40 representing the largest group of recorded cases.
Nevertheless, kids below the age of 10 account for the largest number of recorded fatalities caused by this set of illnesses.
Signs of SFR may involve temperature elevation, body pains, head discomfort, and a skin eruption on the extremities.
The antibiotic doxycycline is frequently employed for managing SFR. Even a slight delay in starting therapy can significantly raise the chances of serious complications and mortality. Prompt diagnosis and intervention are essential.
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