How to Understand Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, A Disease Carried By Ticks

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever is another illness that comes into the spotlight from early spring to late fall. This is an illness that is especially dangerous for the young, the elderly, and those with immune deficiencies.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. 
    
   Distinctive rash on the palm of the hand.

   Understand the symptoms. These begin to appear from two to ten days after the initial bite, and may include any or all of the following; fever, nausea, muscle pain, severe headache, light sensitivity, abdominal pain, and rash. The rash begins as flat red spots, covering the arms and legs and eventually the trunk. This is a distinctive rash as it also covers the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet.
   It is possible to have Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever with no rash at all but the fever will always be present. Absence of a rash makes diagnosis more difficult.

2. Seek immediate medical attention. Prompt treatment will cure the illness completely. If not treated, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever can prove fatal. Because of this, treatment is often initiated based on evidence of a tick bite and symptoms. Be aware that Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever is most prevalent among the younger population as this are the least cautious, and most adventurous.

3. 
    

   Be especially vigilant if you are in an area of high incidence. Although Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever can be found anywhere infected ticks are found, the majority of cases now occur in the South-Atlantic Region. The rocky mountain area, where the illness was first identified, is no longer the most infected.

4. 
    

   Protect yourself from Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever by protecting yourself from tick bites. Wear light-colored, long pants and long sleeves when hiking, camping or working around long grass or brush. Check yourself, your children, and your pets, often for the presence of ticks. Ticks come in all sizes so check carefully. Keep the brush cut back from around your home. Use proven insect repellents, as directed.

Tips & Warnings

• If you get a tick bite, remove the tick promptly, using a pair of eyebrow tweezers. Grasp the body of the tick close to your skin and draw it slowly and gently out. Keep the body in a sealed container for examination in case you become ill. If the head remains in the skin, it will drop out in the next few days. Keep the head as well as some labs need the head in order to see if the tick is a carrier of RMSF
• If you are bitten, watch for any symptoms of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever or other illnesses such as Lyme disease.
• Visit your family doctor if you are troubled by any symptoms whatsoever.

[jerryb1]

on 8/15/2009 Ticks may not spread rocky mountain spotted fever, but some of them do and to know how to avoid any chance of them calling you 'home' is valuable. You win 5* again, just wish it was more.

[Coach4U]

on 7/19/2009 Good article on how to understand Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. Thank you. "5"

[e-Rambler]

on 7/18/2009 Good information on Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. Thank you!

[jamiekucharski]

on 7/14/2009 Oh my! The symptoms of Rocky Mtn Spotted Fever look terrible. I agree that anyone that has a rash that bad on their hand should quickly get to the doctor. I will keep these tips in mind...as I live in the country where ticks are in great abundance.

[Mindee94]

on 7/14/2009 These ticks are all over, just goes to prove not to go off of a name alone. The threat from these pests are all over. Thanks for the thorough information on how to identify and protect. ~Mindee~