ROCKY MOUNTAIN SPOTTED FEVER

ROCKY MOUNTAIN SPOTTED FEVER

Rocky mountain spotted fever or RMSF is a kind of disease developed when bitten by an infected tick. This disease can cause death if not diagnosed and treated as early as possible. Furthermore, the dangerous spices are spread in different places in the United States.

Furthermore, the high risks of this disease are the following:

  • Places that have the common disease and during early summer and spring season
  • Grassy areas
  • Having pets like dogs

You will likely develop a Rocky Mountain spotted fever when you detach the tick from your skin after it bites you. This is because the fluid from the insect can travel by the open wound.

Moreover, you can prevent the disease when detaching the insect by:

  • Carefully removing the mouth of the insect with the tweezers;
  • Soak the tick with the alcohol or simply get rid of it;
  • Clean affected portion of the skin using an antiseptic; and
  • Clean your hands properly.

SYMPTOMS

There are no specific early symptoms of RMSF, but it can be a progressive disease, too. Hence, it is important to get checked by your doctor right after contacting a tick, especially if you are in a woody or grassy area since these places are their common habitats.

The RMSF symptoms are the following:

DIAGNOSIS

Rocky Mountain spotted fever is hard to diagnose since symptoms are the same with other conditions. However, most physicians require laboratory tests to assess the source of the infection. The tests may include rash specimens, tick evaluation, and blood samples.

For this disease, early medication is important before it progresses in the body and results in a serious condition.

TREATMENT

Patients who are infected with the Rocky Mountain spotted fever are likely to prevent other health complications if they are medicated within five days of experiencing indications of the said disease. Then, your doctor will prescribe you an antibiotic as part of your medication, prior to your laboratory results.

The doctor may prescribe doxycycline. It is the common medication for the Rocky Mountain spotted fever. However, pregnant patients are prohibited to take this drug. Insted, chloramphenicol will be suggested to them. 

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