Acute Communicable Disease Control

County of Los Angeles
Department of Public Health
Acute Communicable Disease Control
313 N. Figueroa Street, #212
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Phone: (213) 240-7941
Fax: (213) 482-4856
Email:acdc2@ph.lacounty.gov

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Relapsing Fever

This is a multisystem disease caused by the spirochetes Borrelia (B.) hermsii, B. turicatae, and B. parkeri. The disease occurs primarily in the western U.S. The pathogen is transmitted by soft ticks, which feed mainly at night and can transmit spirochetes within minutes.

Signs/Symptoms: Repeating bouts of fever and chills, headache, muscle and joint pain lasting 2-9 days, alternating with days of no fever. Blood tests detect the bacterium during fever episodes.


Los Angeles County

• ACDC: A Manual of Departmental Rules, Regulations and Control Procedures (B-73) 
• Relapsing Fever Case Report (CDPH 8561 rev 06/11)
  • LA County Epidemiological Reporting Forms (web page)
  • LAC: Reported Cases of Selected Diseases (2011-2016) 
  • LAC: Reported Cases of Selected Diseases (2005-2010) 
  • LAC: Reported Cases of Selected Diseases (1999-2004) 

Additional Resources

• CDPH Educational Brochure: Prevent Tick Bites: Prevent Disease 
• CDPH: Tick-Borne Relapsing Fever
• CDC: Tick-Borne Relapsing Fever Page