Mediterranean exanthematous fever

Med·i·ter·ra·ne·an ex·an·them·a·tous fever

(med'i-tĕ-rā'nē-ăn ek'san-them'ă-tŭs fē'vĕr) An affliction occurring sporadically in the Mediterranean littoral marked by a severe chill with abrupt rise of temperature, pain in the joints, tonsillitis, diarrhea, vomiting, and, on the 3rd-5th day, a rash of elevated nonconfluent macules beginning on the thighs and spreading to the entire body; lasts from 10 days-2 weeks and then disappears by rapid lysis without desquamation; probably caused by Rickettsia conorii, like boutonneuse fever.