Christian Peterson: reporter.riverbendnews@gmail.com
Many people are educated about the dangers of a tick bite and Lyme disease. However, what many do not know is Rocky Mountain spotted fever, a bacterial disease spread through the bite of an infected tick. Symptoms can vary, but the disease is dangerous, as it can rapidly progress to a serious and life-threatening illness.
The first and most obvious symptom is the tick bite itself. Once the tick is removed, keep an eye out for early symptoms, which can include fever, headache, nausea or vomiting, stomach pain, muscle pain, lack of appetite and a rash. While many of those are common symptoms, the rash is the most unique. “It usually develops two to four days after fever begins,” the Centers for Disease Control website explains. “The look of the rash can vary widely throughout the illness. Some rashes can look like red splotches, and some look like pinpoint dots.” RMSF can be spread through several species of ticks, including, specifically for Florida, the American Dog Tick.
The good news is that RMSF does not result in chronic or persistent infections. However, some who recover from severe RMSF may deal with the amputation of arms, legs, fingers or toes, hearing loss, and mental disability. However, any permanent damage is caused by the acute illness and not by a chronic infection. The real danger of RMSF is death. If it is not treated early, the disease can be deadly, so it is best to act quickly.
“Your healthcare provider may order certain blood tests to look for evidence of RMSF,” the CDC website reads. “The results of these tests can take weeks. If your healthcare provider thinks your illness might be RMSF, they should recommend antibiotic treatment before test results are available. RMSF can be life-threatening. Early treatment with the antibiotic doxycycline can prevent death and severe illness. It is approved for adults and children of all ages.”