Tickborne relapsing fever outbreak after a family gathering--New Mexico, August 2002.

On August 2, 2002, the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) and the Indian Health Service (IHS) were notified of a tickborne relapsing fever (TBRF) outbreak after a 1-day family gathering held in late July at a remote, previously uninhabited cabin located in a mountainous region of northern New Mexico (elevation: approximately 8,000 feet). Approximately 40 persons attended the event; at least half slept overnight in the cabin. This report summarizes the investigation of this outbreak, which indicates that prompt diagnosis and collaboration among clinicians and public health authorities can reduce morbidity associated with TBRF. Persons living in areas where TBRF is endemic should avoid sleeping in rodent-infested buildings, rodent-proof susceptible buildings, and consider fumigation of buildings that harbor rodents.