Rickettsiosis are zoonotic diseases transmitted to humans by arthropods. Prevalence of imported disease increases in parallel to the frequency of international travel. Clinical presentation is characterised by fever, headache and rash. Delay in the initiation of an antibiotic treatment efficient on Rickettsia spp. may have fatal impact on evolution. Serology is the more widely used diagnostic test. However, it only provides retrospective diagnosis. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and immunohistochemistry may provide early diagnosis. Doxycyclin is the first-line treatment and should be given empirically as soon as a rickettsial disease is suspected.