In a recent health advisory released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on December 8, a deadly outbreak of Rocky Mountain spotted fever has emerged in southern California, claiming three lives. All reported cases had a common link to the city of Tecate in Mexico.
Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) is a serious and potentially fatal disease caused by a type of bacteria called Rickettsia rickettsii. It is transmitted to humans by the bite of infected ticks, mainly the American dog tick, the Rocky Mountain wood tick, and the brown dog tick. RMSF can affect people of any age, gender, or race, but it is more common in children under 10 years old and in people who live or travel in areas where ticks are abundant.
The symptoms of RMSF usually appear within 2 to 14 days after a tick bite, and they include fever, headache, rash, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, muscle pain, and lack of appetite. The rash typically starts as small, flat, pink spots on the wrists, ankles, or forearms, and then spreads to the rest of the body. However, not everyone with RMSF develops a rash, which can make diagnosis difficult. If left untreated, RMSF can cause serious complications such as damage to the blood vessels, kidneys, heart, lungs, brain, or skin. In some cases, RMSF can be fatal.
The best way to prevent RMSF is to avoid tick bites. You can do this by:
- Wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants when you are outdoors
- Tucking your pants into your socks and your shirt into your pants
- Applying insect repellent that contains DEET or permethrin to your clothing and skin
- Avoiding areas with high grass, brush, or leaf litter where ticks may hide
- Checking yourself and your pets for ticks daily and removing them promptly
- Showering or bathing as soon as possible after being outdoors
If you find a tick attached to your skin, you should:
- Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible
- Pull upward with steady and even pressure. Do not twist or jerk the tick
- Clean the bite area and your hands with soap and water or rubbing alcohol
- Dispose of the tick by flushing it down the toilet or placing it in a sealed bag or container
- Do not use nail polish, petroleum jelly, or heat to remove the tick
If you develop any symptoms of RMSF within 2 weeks after a tick bite, you should seek medical attention immediately. RMSF can be treated with antibiotics, but early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent serious complications and death. Do not wait for test results or a rash to appear before starting treatment. Tell your doctor if you have been bitten by a tick or if you have been in an area where ticks are common.
RMSF is a rising threat in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the number of reported cases of RMSF has increased from 495 in 2000 to 6,248 in 2017. The CDC attributes this increase to several factors, such as:
- Changes in land use and climate that create favorable habitats for ticks
- Increased awareness and reporting of RMSF by health care providers and public health officials
- Improved laboratory tests that can detect RMSF more accurately
- Increased exposure of people and pets to ticks due to outdoor activities and travel
RMSF is a preventable disease that can be avoided by taking simple precautions. By being aware of the signs and symptoms of RMSF, checking for ticks regularly, and seeking medical help promptly if you suspect you have been infected, you can protect yourself and your loved ones from this serious illness.
