Lyme and other tick-borne diseases acquired in South Carolina in 1988: a survey of 1,331 physicians.

2,346 primary care physicians were surveyed by mail to estimate the number of cases of tick-borne fever diagnosed by them during 1988. The results of the 57% response reveal 344 cases of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, 90 cases of Lyme disease and 33 other tick-borne disease cases acquired in South Carolina. The implications for a greater level of clinical awareness and a search for endemic vectors and animal hosts are emphasized.