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Characteristic
rash of late-stage Rocky Mountain spotted fever
on legs of a patient, ca. 1946
(photo provided courtesy of Rocky Mountain Laboratories, NIAID, NIH, Hamilton, Montana) |
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Rocky Mountain spotted fever is the most severe and
most frequently reported rickettsial illness in the
United States. It also occurs in Mexico and in Central
and South America. The disease is caused by Rickettsia
rickettsii, a species of bacteria that is spread
to humans by ixodid (hard) ticks. Initial signs and
symptoms of the disease include sudden onset of fever,
headache, and muscle pain, followed by development of
rash. The disease can be difficult to diagnose in the
early stages, and without prompt and appropriate treatment
it can be fatal.
This web site presents a
general overview of Rocky Mountain spotted fever; more detailed
information can be found in References and Resources.
Date last reviewed: 05/20/2005 |
