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Alternative names Return to top
Spotted feverDefinition Return to top
Rocky Mountain spotted fever is an infectious disease caused by Rickettsia rickettsii transmitted to humans by the bite of a tick.Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top
In the western U.S., the causative agent, R. rickettsii, is transmitted by the wood tick, and in the eastern U.S., by the dog tick. Other ticks transmit the infection in the southern U.S. and in Central and South America.Symptoms Return to top
Signs and tests Return to top
Treatment Return to top
The objective of treatment is careful removal of the tick from the skin and antibiotics to eliminate the infection. Doxycycline or tetracycline are frequently used. Chloramphenicol may be used in pregnant women.Expectations (prognosis) Return to top
Treatment usually cures the infection. Complications are rare but can include paralysis, hearing loss, and nerve damage. The death rate is 5 to 7% and usually reflects a delay in seeking treatment.
Complications Return to top
Calling your health care provider Return to top
Call your health care provider if symptoms develop after exposure to ticks or known tick bite. The complications of untreated Rocky Mountain spotted fever can be life threatening.Prevention Return to top
When walking or hiking in tick-infested areas, tuck long pants into socks to protect the legs, and wear shoes and long-sleeved shirts. Ticks will show up on white or light colors better than dark colors, making them easier to remove from clothing.
Remove ticks immediately by using a tweezers, pulling carefully and steadily. Insect repellent may be helpful. Because less than 1% of ticks carry this infection, antibiotics are not usually given after a tick bite if there is no evidence of disease.
There is no vaccine against this disease.
Update Date: 8/11/2003 Updated by: Daniel Levy, M.D., Ph.D., Infectious Diseases, Greater Baltimore Medical Center, Baltimore, MD. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |