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Step 1
Expect the onset to occur 2 to 14 days after exposure. The initial symptoms include chills, fever, severe headaches, mental confusion and muscle pain.
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Step 2
Observe the progression of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. The characteristic rash will appear a few days after the fever in 80 percent of the patients. It should start at the ankles and wrists and spread to most of the body.
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Step 3
Notice additional symptoms of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. These include diarrhea, excessive thirst, hallucinations, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, and an abnormal sensitivity to light.
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Step 4
Perform routine laboratory tests that indicate Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. Indicators would include a low platelet count, a low red blood cell count in 30 percent of patients, possible renal failure with an elevated creatine level, possible clotting problems and blood or protein in the urine.
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Step 5
Confirm a diagnosis of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever by detecting Rickettsia rickettsii with an immunofluorescence assay. Rickettsia sometimes may be found in a skin sample taken from a rash. The antibodies for Rickettsia may be detected with an antibody titer.
