Who are under risk of acquiring Rocky Mountain spotted fever?
How common is RMSF? Around 2,000 cases of RMSF are reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) each year. People who live close to wooded or grassy areas and people who are in frequent contact with dogs have a higher risk of infection.
What is Rocky Mountain spotted fever caused by?
Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) is a bacterial disease spread through the bite of an infected tick. Most people who get sick with RMSF will have a fever, headache, and rash. RMSF can be deadly if not treated early with the right antibiotic. There is no vaccine for RMSF.
What is the most common carrier of Rocky Mountain spotted fever?
How is RMSF spread? RMSF is spread by the bite of an infected tick. In New York, the American dog tick (Dermacentar variablis) is the most common carrier.
What makes a person at risk for Rocky Mountain spotted fever?
Factors that may increase your risk of contracting Rocky Mountain spotted fever include: Living in an area where the disease is common The time of year — infections are more common in the spring and early summer How much time you spend in grassy or wooded areas Whether you have a dog or spend time with dogs
Can you get Rocky Mountain spotted fever from a tick bite?
If an infected tick attaches to your skin, you can contract Rocky Mountain spotted fever when you remove it, as fluid from the tick can enter your body through an opening such as the bite site. You can reduce your risk of infection by taking steps to prevent exposure to ticks and tick fluids. When removing a tick from your skin:
Is there Rocky Mountain spotted fever in Michigan?
Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) is rarely reported in Michigan. Anyone living or recreating where the ticks are present, may be at risk.
Is there a cure for Rocky Mountain spotted fever?
A rash may also develop in the majority of infected individuals. The most effective treatment for patients of any age is doxycycline. Rocky Mountain spotted fever can be fatal if treatment is not started soon after symptoms begin. Preventing tick bites is the best way to avoid getting RMSF.
Who is at risk for Rocky Mountain spotted fever?
People living in or visiting areas where ticks are prevalent, particularly the southeastern and south central U.S., are at risk for Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
What kind of ticks transmit Rocky Mountain spotted fever?
In the eastern states, the most common tick to transmit this disease is the American dog tick, the wood tick in the western states ( Dermacentor andersoni ), with the exception of Arizona, where the brown dog tick transmits the disease.
Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) is rarely reported in Michigan. Anyone living or recreating where the ticks are present, may be at risk.
What to do if your dog has Rocky Mountain spotted fever?
In areas where Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever occurs, you should use an effective tick control product to prevent ticks from attaching to your dog. There are both topical (Advantix®, Frontline Plus®, Bravecto®) or oral (Nexgard®, Simparica®, Bravecto®) options available.