Facts and Statistics About Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
Introduction
Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) is a potentially deadly bacterial illness spread by ticks. It occurs most commonly in the United States but is also present in many other countries. The disease is most active during the summer months when ticks are most active.
Facts and Statistics
Number of Cases: Approximately 2,000 reported cases are reported each year, with the majority of cases reported in the United States.
Most at Risk: Children aged 5-9 and adults aged 55-64 are most at risk of contracting RMSF. Men are more likely to contract the disease than women.
Risk Areas: Areas with the highest risk of RMSF include North and South America, South Africa, Asia, and Europe. In the United States the greatest risk of contracting RMSF is located in the Southeast, Arkansas, and Oklahoma.
Cause: RMSF is caused by Rickettsia rickettsii, a bacterium that is carried by ticks.
Symptoms: The most common symptoms of RMSF include high fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, muscle pains, and a rash that often starts on the wrists and ankles. Other symptoms include abdominal pain, joint pain, and confusion.
Diagnosis and Treatment: RMSF can be diagnosed through blood tests and doctors may treat the condition with antibiotics. Early treatment is essential to reduce the severity of RMSF symptoms.
Complications: Complications of untreated RMSF can include swelling of the brain, deafness, and vision loss.
Tips for Prevention
In order to reduce your risk of contracting RMSF, the following safety measures should be taken:
Avoid contact with ticks and insecticides, if possible.
Be sure to regularly check your skin for ticks, particularly after spending time outdoors.
Wear insect repellant containing DEET or permethrin.
Wear clothing that covers your body completely.
Conclusion
Rocky Mountain spotted fever is a potentially deadly bacterial infection that is spread by ticks. It is most common in the United States but is also found in other parts of the world. Children aged 5-9 and adults aged 55-64 are most at risk of contracting RMSF. By taking preventative measures such as wearing insect repellent and checking for ticks regularly, it is possible to reduce the risk of contracting RMSF.