relapsing fever

a disease caused by spirochaete bacteria of the genus BORRELIA , which is transmitted to humans by lice and ticks. The disease is characterized by recurrent bouts of fever accompanied by headache, joint and muscle pains and nosebleeds. The first attack lasts for about two to eight days and further milder bouts occur after three two ten days. Treatment is by means of bed rest and with ERYTHROMYCIN and TETRACYCLINE drugs.