What are the symptoms of ehrlichiosis?
What are the symptoms of ehrlichiosis?
Symptoms often appear a week or more after an infected tick bites a person. The symptoms vary from person to person and range from mild to severe. If untreated, the symptoms and infection may last for weeks. Most commonly, symptoms of ehrlichiosis include:
- Flu-like symptoms, such as fever, chills, muscle aches, fatigue and sometimes a rash
- Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, not being hungry
- Headache and confusion
- Red eyes (more often in children)
A generalized rash is uncommon and occurs in a minority of cases, but more often in children than adults. If present, additional infections or conditions should also be considered.
In people with other significant health problems, or if the infection is not treated, the symptoms and illness may be more severe. In severe cases, ehrlichiosis may cause:
- Seizure
- Coma
- Difficulty breathing
- Organ failure
- Other infections (superinfections) from viruses or fungi, which may require additional more specific treatment