Sandfly Fever, also called Phlebotomus fever, is common to Asia and the Mediterranean region but is very rare in the United States and I have not encountered it in my The Woodlands dermatology and Conroe dermatology offices. It is caused by bites from the sandfly, Phlebotomus papatasii. Most patients are asymptomatic but it causes 80% of all cases of aseptic meningitis during the Summer in endemic areas. Some patients develop a rash, which begins as small red papules at the site of the sandfly bite and can last 5 days. After another 5 days, patients develop fever, malaise, stiff neck, nausea, abdominal pains, and conjunctivitis. After this prodrome, an intensely erythematous (red) rash occurs on the face and neck. There is no specific treatment for Sandfly Fever other than supportive care.
