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Warning-sign checks

Rickettsialpox: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Call emergency services for:

    • Trouble breathing
    • New confusion, collapse, or difficulty waking
    • A seizure
    • A severe headache with a stiff neck
    • Blue, grey, or unusually pale lips or skin

    These symptoms are not typical of uncomplicated rickettsialpox and need immediate assessment.

    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Arrange prompt medical assessment if you develop fever with a new blister-like rash, especially if you also have a dark crusted sore or have noticed mice or unexplained bites in your building.

    Early assessment helps distinguish rickettsialpox from other infections.

    Seek urgent medical care if you cannot keep fluids down, are passing very little urine, or have signs of significant dehydration such as marked dizziness or unusual sleepiness.

The article also says

Contact a clinician again if symptoms are not improving after treatment begins, the fever returns, or skin lesions become increasingly painful, red, warm, swollen, or filled with pus.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Rickettsialpox. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.