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Rocky Mountain spotted fever

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Illustrations

Rocky mountain spotted fever, lesions on arm
Rocky mountain spotted fever, lesions on arm
Deer ticks
Deer ticks
Ticks
Ticks
Rocky mountain spotted fever on the arm
Rocky mountain spotted fever on the arm
Tick imbedded in the skin
Tick imbedded in the skin
Rocky mountain spotted fever on the foot
Rocky mountain spotted fever on the foot
Rocky mountain spotted fever, petechial rash
Rocky mountain spotted fever, petechial rash
Antibodies
Antibodies

Alternative Names    Return to top

Spotted fever

Definition    Return to top

Rocky Mountain spotted fever is an infectious disease caused by bacteria carried by ticks.

Causes    Return to top

Rocky Mountain spotted fever is caused by Rickettsia rickettsii (R. Rickettsii), which is carried by ticks. The bacteria spreads to humans through a tick bite.

In the western United States, the bacteria is carried by the wood tick, and in the eastern U.S. it is carried by the dog tick. However, other ticks spread the infection in the southern U.S. and in Central and South America.

Contrary to the name "Rocky Mountain," most recent cases have been reported in the eastern United States, including North and South Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, Georgia, Tennessee, and Oklahoma. Most cases occur in the spring and summer with about 1,000 cases reported per year. Most of the reported cases have been in children.

Risk factors include recent hiking or exposure to ticks in an area where the disease is known to occur.

Symptoms    Return to top

Symptoms usually develop about 2 to 14 days after the tick bite. They may include:

Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease:

Exams and Tests    Return to top

Tests that may be done include:

Treatment    Return to top

Treatment involves 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.

Note: Tetracycline and doxycycline pills are usually not prescribed for children until after all the permanent teeth have come in. These medicines can permanently discolor teeth that are still forming. For this disease, it may be used for short periods of time when it is felt that the benefits outweigh the risks.

Outlook (Prognosis)    Return to top

Treatment usually cures the infection. Complications are rare but can include paralysis, hearing loss, nerve damage, and, rarely, death.

Possible Complications    Return to top

When to Contact a Medical Professional    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.

Update Date: 6/22/2007

Updated by: Cyrus Badshah, M.D., Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Clinical Medicine, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University; Assistant Attending Physician, Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases & Medical Director, Chest (TB)Clinic and Directly Observed Therapy Program, Harlem Hospital Center. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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