Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF)

There have been recent outbreaks of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever on the Yucatan Peninsula, in the Central Highlands region, and in the state of Jalisco, Mexico. This bacterial disease is transmitted to humans through a bite by various types of ticks. RMSF is most prevalent from April to October, when ticks are most active.

Symptoms:

Initial signs and symptoms of the disease include sudden onset of fever (up to 105° F), headache, mental confusion, and muscle pain, followed by a rash that is the most telling sign of the disease. The rash, caused by bleeding under the skin, begins with a small blemish that spreads out, becomes darker, and if left untreated continues to spread under the skin. The rash often starts on the wrists and ankles, then spreads to the trunk. Involvement of the palms and the soles is especially helpful in making the diagnosis. Symptoms typically begin two to ten days after the tick bite.

Treatment:

The disease can be difficult to diagnose in the early stages, and without prompt treatment it can be fatal. Antibiotic therapy with tetracycline and chloramphenicol is highly successful if initiated in the early stages of disease.