Rickettsia rickettsii

Behind this long name hides a tiny… but formidable bacterium! Rickettsia rickettsii is the agent responsible for Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF) , a rare but serious disease, especially if it is not treated in time. Transmitted by the bite of infected ticks, this bacterium wreaks havoc mainly in the Americas (United States, Mexico, Brazil, etc.).

It's not an independent bacterium: R. rickettsii is "strictly intracellular," meaning it must live inside cells to survive! And its favorite place? Blood vessel cells. Once established, it damages them, causing leaks, inflammation, and circulatory problems.

The result? Fever, headaches, muscle pain... and most importantly, purple rashes, which gave the disease its name.

But be careful, if it is not treated in time, this infection can develop into serious forms: neurological damage, kidney failure, respiratory problems... and in extreme cases, the disease can be fatal. People most at risk: children, the elderly and those treated too late.

To avoid having Rickettsia as a souvenir of your nature walks: 1. Wear long, repellent clothing, 2. Inspect your skin (and your clothes!) carefully after walking in tick areas, 3. In case of a bite, remove the tick within 6 hours (preferably in a medical environment)!

So... has this piqued your interest? Add the Rickettsia rickettsii sticker to your collection now!

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PUN: I know great dinner spots, especially on your skin!