BACKGROUND:

Rickettsiosis in Mexico has grown concern into the national sanitary system in Mexico due its high mortality risk, being the pregnant woman and pediatric the most vulnerable groups.

CLINICAL CASE:

19 year-old pregnant woman with 37 weeks, referred by febrile syndrome. Caesarean procedure is performed due to premature rupture of membranes. In later days is suspected the diagnosis of HELLP syndrome vs Rickettsiosis in the fourth hospital day due to persistent fever and low platelets, confirming last mentioned. Patient presents fatal outcome even with specific treatment.

CONCLUSIONS:

Early diagnosis of rickettsiosis is difficult, requiring high clinical discernment as there is the possibility of masking with possible pathologies during pregnancy. In accordance with the above, it is vitally important to point out that in endemic areas the possibility of infection in those feverish conditions that do not have a specific infectious focus and that present with headache, fever and platelet disease, as well as the possibility of exposure to the agent should be considered.