Disease
Fact Sheet Series:
What is Rocky Mountain spotted fever?
Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) is a disease caused by a
microorganism transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected American
dog tick (Dermacentor variabilis) and by several other tick
species. Only 15 cases were reported in Wisconsin between 1980 and 2000.
Most of these infections were acquired outside of Wisconsin.
Who gets RMSF?
RMSF is rare in Wisconsin. The majority of cases in the U.S. occur in
the southeastern states. In spite of its name, the disease is not common
in the mountain states. Children and young adults are most frequently
affected. Disease incidence is directly related to exposure to tick
infested habitats.
How is RMSF spread?
RMSF is spread by the bite of an infected tick (the American dog tick,
the lone-star tick or the wood tick) or by contamination of the skin with
the tick's body fluids or feces. Person to person and direct animal to
human transmission of RMSF does not occur.
What are the symptoms of RMSF?
RMSF is characterized by a sudden onset of moderate to high fever
(which can last for two or three weeks), severe headache, fatigue, deep
muscle pain, chills and rash. The rash begins on the legs or arms, may
include the soles of the feet or palms of the hands and may spread rapidly
to the trunk or rest of the body. Not every case of RMSF will have the
rash.
How soon do symptoms appear?
Symptoms usually appear between 3 to 14 days after the bite of an
infected tick.
Does past infection with RMSF make a person immune?
One attack probably provides permanent immunity.
What is the treatment for RMSF?
Certain antibiotics such as tetracycline or chloramphenicol are used
to treat the disease.
What can be done to prevent the spread of RMSF?
Frequent checking of one's clothing and skin for ticks when in
infested areas is extremely useful in reducing disease. Tick repellents
applied to legs and clothing may be helpful to prevent tick attachment.
Mowing grass frequently in yards and along fences helps to reduce tick
populations.
How should a tick be removed?
To remove an attached tick, grasp it with tweezers or forceps as close
as possible to its attachment (skin) site, and pull straight back and out
with a firm and steady pressure. If tweezers are not available, use
fingers shielded with tissue paper or rubber gloves. Do not handle with
bare hands. Be careful not to squeeze, crush or puncture the body of the
tick which may contain infectious fluids. After removing the tick,
thoroughly disinfect the bite site and wash hands. See or call a physician
if there is concern about incomplete tick removal. It is important that a
tick be removed as soon as it is discovered. Check for ticks frequently
after being in tick infested areas. If tick removal occurs within three
hours after attachment, the risk of tick-borne infection is reduced.
For more information, contact your
Local
Public Health Department
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Last Revised: March 20, 2008
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