Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever is a highly dangerous and lethal disease spread by ticks and other similar creatures. Rocky Mountain Fever got the name because it was once thought to only occur in the Rocky Mountain region of the United States. Today it is one of the most widely diagnosed diseases of its kind in the United States, and often results in fatal illness.

Symptoms

Symptoms of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever are vague and hard to diagnose. Most doctors struggle during the early stages of diagnosis. Symptoms include fever, severe headaches, muscle pain and fatigue. Shortly after these symptoms occur a rash presents itself and continues to spread rapidly. Most people that get the disease write off the initial symptoms as the flu and never seek treatment.

Complications

If Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever is not treated the individual affected is at high risk for death. The high fever and aggressive rash can cause severe problems if they go untreated. High fevers are known to cause blindness and deafness if they are not controlled.

Since RMSF is highly contagious as well, immediate treatment is highly necessary. If a patient is quarantined in a hospital their chances for survival are much greater. The disease is less likely to spread and the infection can be less damaging to the body.

The condition can target the respiratory system, central nervous system, gastrointestinal system, and even the renal system. The damages it causes can become permanent and cause very severe pains in the body. Dehydration and lack of appetite are some minor complications that go along with the disease. Paralysis and gangrene infections are also a possibility.

Treatment

If caught early on treatment includes aggressive antibiotics to treat the infection, as well as fever reducers. Antibiotics are needed nearly immediately after the initial tick bite. They can still be administered after the fact but may not be as effective for treating the condition.

What to Do If Bitten By A Tick

If you are bitten by a tick or another parasite known to cause Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever then you must go to the doctor immediately. Even if you initially feel no symptoms at all a doctor can help treat the infection before it becomes severe enough to kill you or spread to others. Children and the elderly are at a particularly high risk for developing severe symptoms and should be treated if bitten.

Prevention of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever

For nature lovers the thought of a tick bite or an infection from any parasite is terrifying. Parents often keep their children indoors to avoid the possibility of infection. There are several spray on treatments available that prevent ticks from being attracted to the human body. These should always be used when outdoors in areas where ticks are known to exist. Tight, long clothing that covers the body well are also recommended for extra safety. Ticks and parasites are very small and can fit into small spaces. After a hike or time outdoors you should thoroughly scan your body for any ticks or bites that may be present.