Skip to content
How It Works
Explore
Resources Ask a Question
Who It's For
Patients Caregivers Providers
Log In Ask a Question
PubMed This is a summary of 46 peer-reviewed journal articles Updated
Infectious Disease

Your Guide to Boutonneuse Fever (Mediterranean Spotted Fever)

At a Glance

Boutonneuse fever, or Mediterranean spotted fever, is a highly treatable bacterial infection spread by dog ticks. Key symptoms include high fever, rash, and a black-crusted sore called a tache noire. With prompt antibiotic treatment, patients can expect a full recovery.

Welcome to the resource guide for Boutonneuse Fever, also known as Mediterranean Spotted Fever (MSF).

Being diagnosed with a tick-borne illness can be frightening, especially if you have never heard of it before. Boutonneuse fever is an infection caused by a bacterium that is transmitted through the bite of an infected dog tick. While it causes high fever, a characteristic rash, and can sound intimidating, the most important thing to know is that it is highly treatable. With prompt medical attention and the right antibiotics, a full recovery is expected.

This guide is designed to empower you with the facts you need to understand your diagnosis, manage your symptoms safely, and have informed conversations with your care team.

Please explore the following pages to learn more about your condition and the steps to recovery:

01

Orientation and Understanding: Boutonneuse Fever

Learn the essentials of Boutonneuse fever (Mediterranean spotted fever). Understand the causes, tick bite symptoms like tache noire, and treatment options.

02

Signs and Diagnosis: The Tache Noire and Beyond

Learn the signs of Boutonneuse fever, including the classic tache noire and rash. Understand the symptom timeline, PCR testing, and how it is diagnosed.

03

Treatment and Recovery: Managing Your Care

Learn about Boutonneuse fever treatment options. Understand why doxycycline is the gold standard, alternative antibiotics for pregnancy, and signs of recovery.

04

Recovery, Follow-Up, and Preventing Future Bites

Learn what to expect during Boutonneuse fever recovery. Understand symptom timelines, follow-up care, and how to prevent future brown dog tick bites.

Common questions in this guide

What is Boutonneuse fever?
Boutonneuse fever, also known as Mediterranean spotted fever, is a bacterial infection caused by a bite from an infected dog tick. It is highly treatable with prompt medical care and targeted antibiotics.
What are the main symptoms of Mediterranean spotted fever?
The most common symptoms include a high fever, a characteristic rash that may appear on the palms and soles, and a distinct, painless black-crusted sore known as a tache noire or eschar.
What is a 'tache noire'?
A tache noire is a small, painless, black-crusted sore that often forms exactly where the infected tick bit you. Identifying this unique mark helps doctors quickly diagnose Boutonneuse fever and begin treatment.
How is Boutonneuse fever treated?
The infection is typically treated using specific antibiotics, most commonly doxycycline. Starting treatment quickly is important, and your doctor will guide you on the proper dosage and duration.
How do doctors confirm a Boutonneuse fever diagnosis?
Doctors often diagnose the infection through a physical exam, looking for the tell-tale rash or a tache noire. They may also confirm the diagnosis using a blood test or a molecular PCR test to detect the specific bacteria.

Questions to Ask Your Doctor

Curated prompts to bring to your next appointment.

  1. 1.Am I a candidate for doxycycline, and how quickly should we start treatment?
  2. 2.Can you check my skin for a 'tache noire' or help me identify if this lesion is an eschar?
  3. 3.Based on my travel history or location, are there other Rickettsia subspecies common in this area that I should be aware of?
  4. 4.How will you be confirming the diagnosis—through a blood test (serology) or a molecular test like PCR?
  5. 5.What symptoms should I look for that would indicate I need to seek emergency care?

Questions For You

Tap a prompt to share your answer — we'll use it plus this page's context to start a tailored conversation.

This guide provides an educational overview of Boutonneuse fever. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider if you suspect you have a tick-borne illness.

Get notified when new evidence is published on Boutonneuse fever.

We monitor PubMed for new peer-reviewed studies on this topic and email a short summary when something meaningful changes.