Rocky Mountain spotted fever- Rickettsia rickettsii, vector is Dermacentor (dog tick)- Occurs primarily on the East Coast (esp. North Carolina)- Rash typically starts at wrists and ankles and then spreads to trunk, palms, and soles.- Classic triad: 1. Headache, 2. Fever (102˚F), 3. Rash (vasculitis)

(Palms and soles rash is seen in Coxsackievirus A infection, RMSF, and 2° syphilis)

Typhus:- Endemic (cat and rat fleas) - R typhi- Epidemic (human body louse) - R prowazekii- Rash starts centrally and spreads out, sparing palms and soles

Diagnosis: Serology, positive Weil-Felix reaction

Therapy: Doxycycline