Definition of Haverhill fever
1. Noun. The form of ratbite fever occurring in the United States.
Medical Definition of Haverhill fever
1.
An infection by Streptobacillus moniliformis marked by initial chills and high fever (gradually subsiding), by arthritis usually in the larger joints and spine, and by a rash occurring chiefly over the joints and on the extensor surfaces of the extremities.
Haverhill fever is used to indicate Streptobacillus moniliformis infections not associated with rat bite resulting from contaminated food or water.
Synonym: erythema arthriticum epidemicum.
Origin: Haverhill, MA, where an epidemic occurred in 1926
(05 Mar 2000)
Lexicographical Neighbors of Haverhill Fever
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