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Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
What is Rocky Mountain spotted fever?
Rocky Mountain spotted fever is an illness caused by infection with the bacterium Rickettsia rickettsii.
How do people get Rocky Mountain spotted fever?
People become infected with Rickettsia rickettsii through the bite of an infected ixodid (hard) tick.
Where is Rocky Mountain spotted fever found?
Rocky Mountain spotted fever is found throughout the U.S., primarily from April through September. Nearly 50% of cases reported in 1993 were from the South Atlantic region, and over 20% were from the western southern-central region; the highest incidence rates were seen in North Carolina and Oklahoma.
What are the symptoms of Rocky Mountain spotted fever?
Initial signs and symptoms of Rocky Mountain spotted fever include sudden onset of fever, headache and muscle pain, followed by development of a rash which generally first appears on the extremities.
How soon do symptoms occur?
Symptoms occur three to 14 days after the bite of an infected tick.
How is Rocky Mountain spotted fever diagnosed?
During the first week of illness, a diagnosis can be made by looking at skin biopsy specimens. During the second week of illness, specific blood tests can identify the presence of a Rickettsia rickettsii infection.
What is the treatment for Rocky Mountain spotted fever?
Rocky Mountain spotted fever can be effectively treated with antibiotics. However, despite the availability of effective treatment and advances in medical care, approximately 3-5% of individuals still die from the infection.
How long is an infected person infectious to others?
Rocky Mountain spotted fever is spread only thought the bite of an infected tick. Infected persons do not transmit the disease to other people.
How can Rocky Mountain spotted fever be prevented?
Protective clothing, tick-repellent chemicals and the removal of ticks at frequent intervals are helpful measures.
Sources
Tick-Borne Rickettsial Disease Case Report Form
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