What is Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever?Every spring ticks come out of hiding and begin their search for a blood meal. The ticks pass on a variety of possible diseases they may have picked up from one blood meal source to the next. These diseases include, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Tularemia and Ehrilichiosis.
Rocky mountain spotted fever (RMSF) has been identified in seven persons living in Douglas County. Three identified tick bites prior to blood tests to confirm RMSF.
Prompt removal of ticks can decrease risk for contracting a disease. Prolonged tick attachment (more than 4 hours) increases the likelihood of disease. Ticks come in many sizes and people may not realize they have been bitten. Proper removal is just as important as prompt removal. Improper removal may cause disease organisms to be ``inoculated'' into the tissues and the tick body fluid may be forced into the site increasing the danger of infection.
The following is taken from a fact sheet provided by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, Section for Communicable Disease Prevention.
What is Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever?
Rocky Mountain spotted fever is a serious, generalized infection that is usually spread to
people by the bite of infected ticks. The disease gets its name from the Rocky Mountain area where it was first identified. However, it occurs in many other parts of the United States, including Missouri.
How do people get Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever?
People ordinarily get Rocky Mountain spotted fever from the bite of an infected tick. At
least four to six hours of attachment and feeding on blood by the tick are required before
transmission can occur. Contamination of breaks in the skin or mucous membranes with
crushed tissues or feces of the tick may also lead to infection. It is not spread from person-to-person, except on rare occasions by blood transfusion.
What are the symptoms?
Sudden fever (which can last for two or three weeks), severe headache, tiredness, deep
muscle pain, chills, or nausea. In about half of the cases, a red, raised rash appears on the
arms and legs, particularly on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet, and then spreadsto the trunk. Rocky Mountain spotted fever can be fatal if not treated promptly.
How soon after exposure do symptoms appear?
The symptoms begin between 3 to 14 days after the tick bite.
What is the treatment?
It can be treated with antibiotics. Many people with the disease require hospitalization.
How should a tick be removed?
Ticks should be removed promptly and carefully by using tweezers and applying gentle,
steady traction. Do not crush the tick's body when removing it and apply the tweezers as
close to the skin as possible to avoid leaving tick mouthparts in the skin. Do not remove
ticks with your bare hands. Protect your hands with gloves, cloth, or tissue and be sure to
wash your hands after removing a tick.
After removing the tick, disinfect the skin with soap and water or other available
disinfectants.
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