How important is Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF) in Kentucky?
Rocky Mountain spotted fever has not received the media attention of Lyme disease, but is potentially more deadly. Each year there are roughly 10-30 reported cases of RMSF in Kentucky. (there were 31 reported cases in 1991). Although RMSF can be successfully treated with antibiotics, medical experts estimate that without treatment, 20% of those infected could die. In Kentucky, the primary vector of RMSF is the American dog tick, although lone star ticks may also transmit the pathogen (a rickettsia). Symptoms of RMSF are flu-like, accompanied by headaches and a very high fever (104-106 degrees F) two to twelve days after being bitten by a tick. The most characteristic symptom of RMSF is a rash that appears on about the second to fifth day on the wrists and ankles, later spreading to other parts of the body. In most cases, the tick must be attached for at least a day for infection to occur. TICK REMOVAL Because tick movements and bites are seldom felt, careful and frequent examination fo
