Spotted fever can be fatal: what it is, symptoms, how it is transmitted and treatment (tick disease).

What is Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever?

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, also known as Tick Fever, is an infectious disease transmitted by ticks infected with the bacteria Rickettsia rickettsii. 

This bacteria belongs to the Rickettsia family, which are obligate intracellular microorganisms. 

The disease received this name due to the appearance of red spots (macules) on the skin of infected patients.

How is Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever transmitted?

The transmission of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever occurs mainly through the bite of infected ticks.

Ticks are parasitic arachnids that feed on blood and are found on wild animals such as rodents and capybaras, which are the main hosts of the bacteria Rickettsia rickettsii. 

When an infected tick feeds on a host animal, it acquires the bacteria and can transmit it to other hosts, including humans.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever usually appear between 2 and 14 days after being bitten by an infected tick.

Early symptoms include:

• High fever;
• Severe headache,
• Muscle pain;
• Tiredness.

As the disease progresses, other symptoms may appear, such as:

• Skin rash characterized by red or purple spots (macules) that spread over the body;
• Swelling and redness on the soles of the feet and palms of the hands;
• Nausea;
• Vomiting;
• Diarrhea;
• Abdominal pain;
• Gangrene in the fingers and ear;
• Paralysis of limbs and lungs (causing respiratory arrest).

Diagnosis and Treatment

The diagnosis of Spotted Fever is based on the clinical evaluation of the symptoms presented by the patient and on laboratory tests, such as the analysis of blood samples to detect the presence of the bacteria Rickettsia rickettsii.

It is essential that diagnosis is made early, as Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever can be fatal if not treated properly.

Treatment for Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever generally involves the use of antibiotics, such as doxycycline, which are effective in combating the bacteria that cause the disease.

It is important to emphasize that treatment must be started as soon as possible to increase the patient's chances of recovery.

Prevention

Prevention of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever is essential, especially in endemic areas where the disease is more common. Some important measures include:

1. Avoid tick-infested areas: When visiting places such as forests, parks and rural areas, it is essential to take care to avoid direct contact with ticks.
2. Clothes: It is recommended to wear light-colored clothing to help identify the tick visually, long-sleeved shirts, long pants and closed shoes/boots, in addition to applying insect repellent.
3. Perform body check: After being in areas prone to ticks, it is important to thoroughly check your body for any ticks attached to your skin.
4. Protecting pets: Ticks can be carried by pets, so it is important to use appropriate products to protect pets, such as flea collars and tick repellents. In addition, cleaning and sanitizing the environment where animals live are also important measures.

How to remove a tick?

If a tick is found, it is recommended to urgently follow these steps:

1. Use tweezers to pick it up (avoid picking it up directly with your hands);
2. Do not squeeze or crush it, pull gently and firmly to avoid leaving parts or liquids of the parasite on the skin.
3. Immediately wash the area with soap and water and then apply plenty of alcohol.
4. Place all used clothes in boiling water.

Warning

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever is a serious and potentially fatal infection transmitted by infected ticks. If you suspect you have the disease, you should seek immediate medical attention for proper diagnosis and treatment. 

Awareness and knowledge about Spotted Fever are essential for preventing and combating the infection.

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Source: Ministry of Health.