The Brazilian press is reporting an outbreak of Brazilian Spotted Fever (Febre Maculosa) in the Campinas area of São Paulo state. Brazilian Spotted Fever is similar to Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever in North America, caused by a related microorganism and transmitted by related ticks, but seems to have a higher mortality rate. Brazilian Spotted Fever is only spread through tick bites, and cannot be spread person to person. Brazilian Spotted Fever occurs throughout most of Brazil, but is especially common in the states of São Paulo, Minas Gerais, Rio de Janeiro, and southern Espírito Santo.
The main reservoir for Brazilian Spotted Fever is capivaras, who are bitten by ticks that then spread the infection to people. Capivara populations at the urban/rural perimeter have been increasing, thanks to abundant food and reduced predation. Anyone spending time in prime capivara habitat -- high grass, especially where sugarcane is present, river and creek banks, etc. -- should take precautions (e.g., long pants and long sleeves) against ticks, and perform a detailed self-inspection to detect and remove ticks after the outing. Anyone experiencing symptoms of Brazilian Spotted Fever -- fever, nausea, severe headache, muscle pains, and later, red rash -- should seek immediate medical attention.
