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Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever


About this topic


Rocky Mountain spotted fever is an infection caused by a tick bite. You may start to have signs within 1 to 2 weeks after the tick bite. The rash that most often goes with this illness looks like small red spots. It starts on the wrists, ankles, hands, and feet. Then, it spreads to your trunk. As the illness continues, it looks like small bruises. If not treated, this disease can cause very severe problems in the heart, lungs, brain, and blood vessels. ‚  


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What are the causes?


This illness can come from being bitten by a few kinds of ticks. ‚  

What can make this more likely to happen?


  • You are more likely to have this illness if you spend time where there are ticks. Your chance of getting a tick bite is higher if you work, live in, or spend time in places with a lot of trees or tall grass.
  • You have a higher chance of getting this illness if you remove ticks from your pets and then crush them with your bare fingers.

What are the main signs?


  • Fever and chills
  • Headache
  • Muscle aches
  • Rash
  • Upset stomach
  • Throwing up
  • Red eyes
  • Poor appetite

How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?


Your doctor will take your history and do an exam. The doctor will want to know if you have had any tick bites lately. The doctor will carefully look at your rash and may order tests like: ‚  
  • Skin biopsy ¢ ˆ ’ Your doctor may collect a sample of your rash and send it to a lab to be looked at under a microscope.
  • Lab tests
  • If you saved the tick that bit you, the doctor may want to test it as well.

How does the doctor treat this health problem?


This illness is treated with drugs. Sometimes, you are able to take them at home. Other times, you may be so sick you need to be in the hospital for your care. ‚  

What drugs may be needed?


The doctor may order drugs to: ‚  
  • Fight an infection
  • Lower fever
  • Help with pain

What problems could happen?


  • Blood vessel damage
  • Brain damage or infection
  • Bleeding
  • Heart problems
  • Lung problems or infection
  • Kidney damage
  • Amputation of fingers or toes in severe cases
  • Paralysis
  • Nerve damage
  • Deafness

What can be done to prevent this health problem?


  • If you see a tick on your skin, remove the tick right away. Use tweezers and carefully remove the tick. Save the tick in alcohol. Do not squeeze it.
  • Protect yourself from ticks.
    • Wear long pants and shirts or jackets with long sleeves when in wooded areas.
    • Tuck pants into socks or boots.
    • Use an insect repellent when going outside. Check the label to make sure it has 10% to 30% DEET.
  • Protect your pets from ticks by using special collars, drugs, or shampoos.
  • Spray insect repellent to get rid of ticks around your home.

Where can I learn more?


Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ‚  
http://www.cdc.gov/rmsf/ ‚  
KidsHealth ‚  
http://kidshealth.org/parent/infections/skin/rocky.html ‚  
National Organization for Rare Diseases ‚  
http://www.rarediseases.org/rare-disease-information/rare-diseases/byID/600/viewAbstract ‚  

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer


This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚  

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