[Rickettsiosis - Early skin biopsy is essential because of latency in serological findings].

Background: Global travel increasis practitioner's confrontation with very special infectious diseases, like hemorrhagic viral diseases that are traditionally rare in European countries. Prompt diagnosis and subsequent induction of therapy are essential to prevent high rates of severe and lethal complications.

Anamnesis: A 59-year-old man complained deterioration of general health after a 3-week vacation to South Africa.