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Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever Facts:
Rocky Mountain spotted fever was discovered in people living in western states like Montana and Idaho, hence the name. Nowadays, it is more often seen in eastern states, with half of the 400 to 800 annual cases occurring in North Carolina, South Carolina, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Cape Cod and Long Island. Caused by:
The bacteria Rickettsia rickettsii Carried by:
The American dog tick Dermacentor variabilis and the wood tick Dermacentor andersoni Symptoms:
Beginning about two to 14 days after tick bite: - High fever, up to 105 degrees
- Severe headache
- Rash (not itchy), starting as small red spots on arms or legs that spread to rest of the body, including the palms and soles (Note: This rash is not seen in 10 percent to 20 percent of those with Rocky Mountain spotted fever and may be absent in early illness.)
- Abdominal pain
Treatment:
Oral antibiotics, most often doxycycline Warning:
If untreated, Rocky Mountain spotted fever kills up to 25 percent of those infected, particularly the elderly. Even when treated, it is fatal in up to 7 percent of cases.
Last updated March 20, 2001
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