Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever

Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) is caused by the bacterium Rickettsia rickettsii.  

RMSFSymptoms include fever, headaches, myalgia; characteristic spotted rash* begins on wrists, ankles, palms, and soles and may be absent early in the disease. Treatment is usually tetracycline.   *RMSF rash photo courtesy of Ed Masters, MD. 
 
Humans and pets may contract RMSF.   RMSF maybe life threating. 

 

Ticks that transmit Rocky Mountain spotted fever include Amblyomma americanum (lone star), Dermacentor variabilis (American dog) and Dermacentor andersoni (wood tick).

Also see American Dog Ticks, Bears, & RMSF  /index.php/lda-news-a-updates/1450-america-dog-ticks-bears-a-rmsf

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