Rickettsialpox is a febrile, infectious disease caused by Rickettsia akari, which is transmitted to humans by the painless bite of house mouse mites (Liponyssoides sanguineus). There is a higher occurrence of rickettsialpox in urban areas, with documented cases confirmed in the United States, Croatia, Mexico, South Korea, South Africa, Canada, and parts of Russia.

An eschar develops at the site of the mite bite within 24-48 hours, and this typically precedes the fever and systemic illness by another 1 or 2 days. The clinical course consists of fever that ranges from 38.3-41.1°C (101-106°F), malaise, headache, stiff neck, vertigo, photophobia, myalgias, sweats, and chills. Conjunctival inflammation, cough, generalized or regional adenopathy, and pharyngitis have all been described. The disease lasts 2-3 weeks with a persistent headache and lassitude that can last for weeks following the acute illness.