Spotted Fever Group Rickettsiosis: Wisconsin Data

Spotted fever group rickettsiosis (SFGR) is rare in Wisconsin. The first case in Wisconsin was identified in 2009. In 2020, Wisconsin had three probable cases of SFGR.

Commonly available tests to diagnose SFGR can’t distinguish between the different spotted fever group bacteria. Therefore, cases of Rocky Mountain spotted fever, along with other diseases caused by this group of bacteria, are all reported as SFGR.

Rocky Mountain spotted fever is the most serious SFGR. It’s unknown how many reported cases in Wisconsin are Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and how many cases are caused by other, less severe, SFGR.

SFGR cases are reported by county of residence, not by county of exposure. On average, half of the cases in Wisconsin were among people who reported travel to another state where SFGR is much more common. This travel occurred before they became sick. This means that some of the SFGR cases in Wisconsin were most likely exposed to the bacteria outside Wisconsin.

SFGR is preventable and treatable. Learn more about Tick Bite Prevention.

Read about Signs and Symptoms, along with Treatment, from the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).

The graphs below show statewide data for spotted fever group rickettsiosis. For national data, visit the CDC webpage on Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever Epidemiology and Statistics.