In the United States, approximately 800 people a year contract Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever is a generalized infection that is spread by an infected tick [American dog tick Dermacentor variabilis; lone-star tick Amblyoma americanum; deer tick Ixodes scapularis], which carries the specialized bacteria, Rickettsia rickettsii. Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever can be found throughout the United States, with the exception of Maine, Alaska and Hawaii. Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever is most commonly found in the southeastern United States.

The disease is treatable by antibiotics. However, without treatment the disease can be fatal. People who contract Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever suffer symptoms such as sudden fever [which can last for two or three weeks], severe headache, fatigue, deep muscle pain, chills, nausea and a rash which is characteristic of the disease. The rash will most likely begin on the legs or arms and can be found on the soles of the feet or palms of the hands. Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever can spread rapidly to the rest of the body. Symptoms of the disease usually appear three to 12 days after the tick actually bites the host. The disease can be diagnosed by a special blood test.

  Because Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever is contracted through tick bites, it is common to contract the disease during the summer and spring months. It is also possible to catch the disease any time the weather is warm. Ways to prevent coming in contact with an infected tick include staying away woods or fields. When going into a wooded area or a field, wear long pants and a long sleeved shirt with the pants tucked into socks. Mow grass often and keep pets tick-free.

There are repellents such as DEET that repel ticks. DEET can only be used on clothing, not on skin. After outdoor activities, make sure to check for ticks. A willing buddy is always helpful with this. Areas were ticks are usually found are commonly behind the knees, between the fingers and toes, under the arms, in and behind the ears and on the neck, hairline and top of the head.

  If a tick is found, remove it immediately. A tick that has been attached to skin for more than four hours poses a greater risk for infection of the disease. Use tweezers [never bare hands] to grab the tick, as close to the skin as possible. Do not try to squeeze the tick. Instead, coat the tick with petroleum jelly or burn them. Once the tick is removed, clean the area of the bite with disinfectant. If a part of the tick still remains in the skin, call a doctor. When one exhibits any signs or symptoms of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever [such as sudden fever, severe headache, fatigue, deep muscle pain, chills, nausea or the rash that is characteristic of the disease] call a doctor immediately.

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