Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
About RMSF
Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) is a bacterial infection that is transmitted to humans through tick bites. It occurs most
often in the spring and summer, during the months when ticks are active - between April and early September.
Although RMSF is most common in the southeastern part of the United States (Virginia, Georgia, and the Carolinas), it
occurs in other states as well. It is relatively rare (about 250 to 2.000 cases per year in the United States), but can be a
serious disease if not treated properly.
The bacteria Rickettsia rickettsii RMSF caused by the dog tick (Dermacentor variabilis) transferred into the
Eastern United States and by the wood tick (Dermacentor andersoni) in the Rocky Mountain states. On the west coast, the
Lone Star tick (Amblyomma americanum) can also transmit the bacteria.
RMSF has its name from the trademark rash it causes - small red spots and stains that start at the wrists, ankles,
Palms and soles. In addition to the rash, the infection can cause fever, chills, muscle aches, vomiting and nausea.
RMSF is typically with antibiotics and patients recover without complications treated. But late or not
RMSF treatment can cause serious health problems.
If your child has a fever, body aches, stiff neck, or rash and has or been bitten by a tick, it is important to talk
with your doctor.
Signs and symptoms
To develop the symptoms of RMSF usually within 1 week after a tick bite, but may appear up to 2 weeks. In many cases,
the person does not even remember being bitten by a tick.
The symptoms of RMSF usually begin suddenly. There is a high fever - often 103 ° -105 ° F (39 ° -40 ° C) - with chills, muscle
Pain and a severe headache. The eyes may be red, muscles may feel tender, and it may include abdominal pain, nausea,
Vomiting, loss of appetite and fatigue.
The brand of this infection rash may begin at any time up to 10 days after the fever and headache start, but most
often appear on the third to fifth day. The rash looks like small red spots or blotches that begin on the wrists,
Knuckles, palms and soles. It spreads the arms and legs toward the trunk.
As the infection progresses, RMSF can start the original red spots look more like bruises or bloody spots or patches
beneath the skin.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Doctors usually diagnose Rocky Mountain spotted fever on enough symptoms to indicate an infection. Test results for
RMSF may take a while to be sent to the doctor, the treatment often begins before the results are available.
RMSF is typically treated with oral or IV antibiotics, depending on the severity of the infection. Complications
require a longer treatment.
If left untreated, RMSF can lead to serious health problems, so it is important to call your doctor right away if you notice any
RMSF symptoms such as:
high fever
Headaches
Chills
Muscle pain
red eyes
Deflection
Without antibiotic treatment, RMSF can lead to health problems, which include lead the heart, lungs and brain. In an extremely
severe case, it can be fatal.
If your child is recovering from RMSF at home, follow the instructions of the doctor give antibiotics. Let your child
rest in bed until the fever and other symptoms have disappeared.
Prevention
RMSF can be prevented by avoiding tick-infested areas, such as forests and tall grasses, brush, shrubs and low branches,
and precautions when spending time outdoors.
If they play outdoors, have children wear bright clothing that makes ticks more visible and when it
practical, long-sleeved shirts and long pants. Use an insect repellent, the ticks fights, being careful to follow
Instructions on the label. Make sure you have a repellent containing 10% to 30% concentration of DEET use (look for N, N-diethyl-
meta-toluamide).
Not all ticks carry the RMSF bacteria, but it is advisable to remove any delay. The longer a tick remains attached to the
Skin, the greater the likelihood of infection. It usually takes several hours for a tick to transmit the bacteria that cause
RMSF Once they are attached to the skin.
To remove a dog tick, use tweezers to get it through your head (and not just the body) grab as close to the skin as possible. Remove
steadily until the tick displaced. Without touching the tick, they keep in a jar or plastic bag until they can demonstrate
with your doctor. Disinfect the bite area with alcohol, wash your hands, and call your doctor.
Since pets can also bring ticks into your home, check their skin and fur for ticks when they play in since
Tick-infested areas. Follow advice on collars and other products that are used, keep your pet to your veterinarian
Tick-free.
If you have any concerns, talk to your doctor.