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How does Rocky Mountain spotted fever affect the body?
What is Rocky Mountain spotted fever?
How dangerous is Rocky Mountain spotted fever?
Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) is a bacterial illness caused by a bite from an infected tick. Symptoms include high fever and widespread rash. In the United States, there are 4,000–6,000 ...
- What Is Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever?
- What Causes Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever?
- Who Is at Risk For Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever?
- What Are The Symptoms of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever?
- How Is Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever Diagnosed?
- How Is Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever Treated?
- What Are Possible Complications of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever?
- Can Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever Be Prevented?
- Key Points About Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
- Next Steps
Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) is an infection caused by the bite of an infected tick. It may occur anytime the weather is warm, but it most often occurs from April until September. It was first recognized in the Rocky Mountain states. But it may occur throughout the U.S. Most common areas affected are in the southeastern and south central U.S...
RMSF is caused by a bacterium that is spread to people by the bite of an infected tick. In different parts of the U.S., these ticks can transmit the RMSF bacteria: 1. American dog tick 2. Rocky Mountain wood tick 3. Brown dog tick 4. Lone star tick
People living in or visiting areas where ticks are common, especially the southeastern and south central U.S., are at risk for RMSF. But the illness can also be passed on from ticks in the Northeast, Pacific coast, and other areas.
These are the most common symptoms of RMSF: 1. A non-itchy rash that usually starts on the hands, arms, feet, and legs and occurs 5 to 10 days after the bite. The rash consists of flat, pink spots. 2. Fever 3. Headache 4. Confusion 5. Decreased appetite 6. Chills 7. Sore throat 8. Stomachache 9. Nausea or vomiting 10. Diarrhea 11. Body aches 12. Se...
Diagnosis is based on symptoms and history of a tick bite. How the rash looks is important. Skin samples and lab tests are usually done to rule out other conditions and confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment will depend on your symptoms, age, and general health. It will also depend on how severe the condition is. Treatment may include antibiotics (usually doxycycline) until several days after the fever goes away. Efforts to ease symptoms also help.
RMSF can be cured when treated with antibiotics. But if untreated, serious complications can occur, such as: 1. Nerve damage 2. Hearing loss 3. Incontinence 4. Partial paralysis 5. Tissue death (gangrene) of toes or fingers 6. Rarely, death
Once you’ve had RMSF, you probably won't get it again. To help prevent RMSF, follow these guidelines.
RMSF is caused by a bacterium that is spread to people by the bite of an infected tick.Symptoms include a rash, fever, headache, decreased appetite, chills, sore throat, confusion, stomachache, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea, body aches, and sensitivity to light.Treatment includes antibiotics and symptom relief.If RMSF is untreated, serious complications can occur. These include nerve damage, hearing loss, incontinence, partial paralysis, gangrene of toes or fingers, and, rarely, death.Tips to help you get the most from a visit to your healthcare provider: 1. Know the reason for your visit and what you want to happen. 2. Before your visit, write down questions you want answered. 3. Bring someone with you to help you ask questions and remember what your provider tells you. 4. At the visit, write down the name of a new diagnosis an...
Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) is a bacterial infection spread by a bite from an infected tick. It causes vomiting, a sudden high fever around 102 or 103°F, headache, abdominal pain, rash ...
Symptoms and Signs of RMSF. The incubation period for Rocky Mountain spotted fever averages 7 days but varies from 3 to 12 days; the shorter the incubation period, the more severe the infection. Onset is abrupt, with severe headache, chills, prostration, and muscular pains. Fever reaches 39.5 to 40° C within several days and remains high (for ...
Aug 25, 2022 · Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) is a serious illness you get from a tick bite. It’s caused by the bacterium Rickettsia rickettsii. Symptoms include a high fever and headache. Rash may start three or more days after other symptoms. RMSF can be life-threatening if not treated quickly with antibiotics. RMSF is found in most states in the U.S.
Sep 1, 2022 · Nonitchy rash. Headache or confusion. Muscle and joint pain. Nausea with or without vomiting. Abdominal (belly) pain and appetite loss (more often seen in children) Rash is a very common symptom of Rocky Mountain spotted fever, but some people who are infected may not have a rash at all. If the rash does appear, this is often within a few days.
Feb 19, 2019 · Doxycycline is the first-line treatment for adults and children of all ages: Adults: 100 mg every 12 hours. Children under 45 kg (100 lbs): 2.2 mg/kg body weight given twice a day. Patients with suspected RMSF should be treated with doxycycline for at least 3 days after the fever subsides and there is evidence of clinical improvement.
