Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever

Acute

What is Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever?

Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) is a bacterial disease spread through the bite of an infected tick. Most people who get sick with RMSF will have a fever, headache, and rash. RMSF can be deadly if not treated early with the right antibiotic.

There are a number of symptoms of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, which may include
  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Rash
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Stomach pain
  • Muscle pain
  • Lack of appetite

Treatment includes antibiotics and symptom relief. If untreated, serious complications, including nerve damage, hearing loss, incontinence, partial paralysis, and gangrene of toes or fingers, can occur.

RMSF is caused by the bacterium Rickettsia rickettsii (R Rickettsii), which is carried by ticks. The bacteria is spread to humans through a tick bite.

Preventive measures for Rocky Mountain spotted fever and other tick-borne diseases include: wearing long-sleeved, light colored clothing; checking for tick attachment and removing attached ticks promptly; applying topical insect repellent; and treating clothing with permethrin.

Who is at risk for Rocky Mountain spotted fever? People living in or visiting areas where ticks are prevalent, particularly the southeastern and south central U.S., are at risk for Rocky Mountain spotted fever.

How is it diagnosed?

How is it diagnosed?

Doxycycline is the treatment of choice for RMSF, and all other tickborne rickettsial diseases. Use of antibiotics other than doxycycline is associated with a higher risk of fatal outcome from RMSF. Presumptive treatment with doxycycline is recommended in patients of all ages, including children less than 8 years of age.

How is it treated?

Treatment for acute myeloid leukemia is vital. It varies with the patient and stage of the disease. Treatment options include

Doxycycline is the treatment of choice for RMSF, and all other tickborne rickettsial diseases. Use of antibiotics other than doxycycline is associated with a higher risk of fatal outcome from RMSF. Presumptive treatment with doxycycline is recommended in patients of all ages, including children less than 8 years of age.

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