American Idol’s Dexter Roberts Diagnosed with Rocky Mountain Spotted Tick Fever

Dexter Roberts was forced to drop out of the American Idol tour this summer due to illness, and he finally knows what was ailing him.

"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," Roberts wrote on his Facebook page on July 31.

Dexter Roberts on his American Idol exit and prank war with Sam Woolf

The country singer made it to the Top 7 on the most recent season ofAmerican Idol before being eliminated. He believes he contracted the disease shortly after the American Idol Season 13 finale in May, while on a turkey hunt in Kentucky.

"I found several ticks on me throughout the four-day hunt, but that is nothing unusual for turkey hunting," Roberts wrote. "Shortly after theAmerican 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."

Rocky Mountain spotted fever is a commonly reported yet potentially fatal disease.

Roberts says he started taking medication last week. "Please continue to pray for my full recovery," he added. "I know God is in control of my life, and his path will be made clear for my music career."