Abstract
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Mediterranean spotted fever presents with various non‐specific symptoms.
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There is no reliable test to diagnose the infection in its early stages.
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Doxycycline should be used upon suspicion of MSF, without awaiting laboratory confirmation.
Mediterranean spotted fever is a generally benign disease but with the potential of serious manifestations.
We report a case of Mediterranean spotted fever in a 56-year–old woman, with pet dog exposure, who presented with a septic shock pattern. Based on clinical symptoms, history, and laboratory results, the diagnosis of Mediterranean spotted fever was suspected and the outcome was favorable with doxycycline treatment.
Although rickettsiae remain an uncommon cause of the sepsis syndrome, it is important to consider it, especially as people are now traveling to endemic areas more frequently.