Louse-borne relapsing fever in children.

Clinical manifestations of louse-borne relapsing fever (LBRF) in children admitted to Jimma Teaching Hospital from March 1991 to September 1991 are described. The clinical manifestations were mild and the frequency of occurrence of each feature was lower than in adults. Jaundice and cardiac abnormality have not been found in children. The Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction was also mild and occurred in about 16% of the cases. The prognosis of LBRF was excellent. Initial treatment with penicillin and continued treatment with tetracycline for a couple of days was justifiable. Further detailed studies with a larger series is recommended.