Spotted fever knocked Roberts off Idol tour

Dexter Roberts disappeared mysteriously from this year's American Idols Live tour back in early July, with little more than a vaguely worded statement about an illness as explanation.

Turns out the 23-year-old Alabama native had Rocky Mountain spotted fever, contracted during a turkey hunt in Kentucky. The tick-borne infection can be difficult to diagnose and is potentially lethal.

On Thursday, Roberts posted a message on Facebook page, explaining his reasons for leaving the tour.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank all my fans, friends and family for all their prayers, patience and support through my illness," wrote the singer, who finished seventh during this year's American Idol competition. "After months of hospital and doctor visits, I finally have a diagnosis. I have Rocky Mountain Spotted Tick Fever, with symptoms of fever, rash, headache, abdominal issues, shortness of breath and muscle pain.

"After the American Idol finale show in May, I went on a turkey hunt in Kentucky. I found several ticks on me throughout the 4 day hunt, but that is nothing unusual for turkey hunting. Shortly after the American Idol tour started, I started having serve headaches, chest pains and muscle weakness on my left side, along with tremendous abdominal issues and shortness of breath. The medical facilities, while on tour, were unable to make a diagnosis. After my return home from the tour I found myself, once again, back at a hospital emergency room, where the doctor discovered a rash in my head from the tick bite. Day before yesterday, the blood work confirmed I have Rocky Mountain Spotted Tick Fever. I started medication yesterday.

"Please continue to pray for my full recovery. I know God is in control of my life, and his path will be made clear for my music career. He is my rock and salivation, and I trusting in him."