Flinders Island Spotted Fever fact sheet

What is Flinders Island Spotted Fever?

Flinders Island Spotted Fever (FISF) is an illness caused by bacteria known as Rickettsia honei.

It was first identified on Flinders Island, but has also been identified elsewhere in Australia and overseas.

It is part of a group of illnesses caused by Rickettsia bacteria, which includes other Spotted Fever infections and typhus infections.

How is it spread?

FISF is spread to humans by a bite from a tick infected with the bacteria.

The tick that carries the FISF bacteria is thought to most commonly be found on reptiles.

In Tasmania, infections have been acquired on Flinders Island; the East Coast, including Schouten Island; and possibly as far south as Kettering and the Midlands.

However, the ticks which can carry the disease are in other parts of Tasmania and it is possible the disease can be caught from a much wider geographical area.

Infections can occur throughout the year, but the risk increases during spring and summer months when ticks are most active and when camping and other outdoor activities are more common.

Infections occur in people of all ages.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms usually start 1-2 weeks after being bitten by an infected tick.

Common symptoms include fever, headache, joint and muscle aches, and extreme tiredness.

Some people also have a rash. Symptoms usually start suddenly.

There may be a prominent scab at the site of the bite.

How is it diagnosed?

FISF can be difficult to diagnose, but a doctor may suspect it if typical symptoms develop after being in a high-risk area, particularly if there is a history of a tick bite.

The diagnosis may be made by blood tests taken one to two weeks apart, which detects the body's immune response to the infection.

How is it treated?

FISF can be treated with antibiotics such as doxycycline.

If there is a strong clinical suspicion of infection, treatment should begin without waiting for the results of laboratory tests.

Symptoms usually resolve quickly with treatment.

How is it prevented?

No vaccine is available to prevent FISF or any other type of typhus infection.

The best way to prevent these types of infections is to minimise exposure to ticks. This includes:

• Avoid tick infested/endemic areas and contact with ticks
• Wear appropriate light-coloured protective clothing
• Treat clothing and gear with the insecticide permethrin
• Use insect repellent, including those containing picardin, DEET (Diethyl toluamide) or oil of lemon eucalyptus on exposed skin. Always read the manufacturer's instructions before applying 
• Use camp beds when camping to elevate the body above the ground
• Check clothing for ticks, then place in a hot dryer for 20 minutes, if available, to kill ticks
• Check the body for ticks when you come inside. 

If you do find a tick on your skin, follow advice for removing a tick 

What should I do if I have Flinders Island Spotted Fever?

There is no risk of spreading FISF to others around you and you do not need to isolate yourself.

If you think you may have FISF, please see your usual GP.

If you have been prescribed a course of antibiotics, please ensure that you take the whole course.

For further information:

Call the Public Health Hotline – Tasmania on 1800 671 738 to speak to a clinical nurse consultant.

Find out more about Tick-borne diseases in Tasmania

View all infectious diseases guides and fact sheets