Staphylococcus aureus septicemia mimicking fulminant Rocky Mountain spotted fever.

Septicemia due to Staphylococcus aureus can be a difficult diagnosis to make early in its presentation. This report illustrates a case that mimicked fulminant Rocky Mountain spotted fever in a patient with no other medical problems that might predispose her to the development of staphylococcal sepsis. Epidemiology, cerebrospinal fluid characteristics, and early biopsy of skin lesions are emphasized as important factors leading to early diagnosis and definitive treatment.