Relapsing Fever in Sichili

Abstract

Between 1 December, 1982 and 30 November, 1983, 274 cases of tick borne relapsing fever were found in Sichili. Mainly children were affected and the incidence was lower during the cold season. Clinically, tick fever could not be differentiated from malaria and the diagnosis was based on the finding of borreliae in a thick blood film. In general, the clinical course was mild and no fatal cases occurred. The most important complication was premature delivery with subsequent neonatal death. Treatment with penicillin was found to be effective. From our experience, we noted several indications that tick fever could be more common in Zambia than is presently thought. A better awareness of the possible occurrence of the disease is warranted and may lead to an increasing number of reported cases.