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Alternative Names Return to top
Mountain tick fever; Mountain fever; American mountain feverDefinition Return to top
Colorado tick fever is an acute viral infection transmitted by the bite of the Dermacentor andersoni tick.
Causes Return to top
This disease most commonly develops from March to September, with the highest numbers of infections occurring in May and June.
Risk factors are recent outdoor activity and recent tick bite. The rate of Colorado tick fever is high in Colorado, where blood tests have shown that up to 15% of campers have previously been exposed to virus that causes the disease.
The disease is much less common in the rest of the United States.
Symptoms Return to top
Symptoms start about 3 to 6 days after the tick bite. Symptoms of fever continue for 3 days, stop, then come back 1 to 3 days later for another few days.
Exams and Tests Return to top
Tests will be done to confirm infection. These may include:
Other blood tests may include:
Treatment Return to top
Make sure the tick is fully removed from the skin. Take a pain reliever if necessary (do not give aspirin to children; it is associated with Reye's syndrome in some viral illnesses). If complications develop, treatment will be aimed at controlling the symptoms.
Outlook (Prognosis) Return to top
The disease is usually self-limiting and not dangerous.
Possible Complications Return to top
There is a risk for aseptic meningitis, encephalitis, and hemorrhagic fever, but these complications are extremely rare.
When to Contact a Medical Professional Return to top
Call your health care provider if you are unable to fully remove a tick embedded in the skin, if you or your child develop symptoms suggestive of this disease, if symptoms worsen or do not improve with treatment, or if new symptoms develop.
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 your clothing.
Check yourself and your pets frequently. If you find ticks, remove them immediately by using a tweezers, pulling carefully and steadily. Insect repellent may be helpful.
Update Date: 8/8/2006 Updated by: D. Scott Smith, M.D., MSc, DTM&H, Chief of Infectious Disease & Geographic Medicine, Kaiser Redwood City, CA & Adjunct Assistant Professor, Stanford University. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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Page last updated: 25 September 2008 |