How is Rocky Mountain spotted fever diagnosed?
A diagnosis of Rocky Mountain spotted fever is based on a combination of clinical signs and symptoms and specialized confirmatory laboratory tests. Other common laboratory findings suggestive of Rocky Mountain spotted fever include thrombocytopenia, hyponatremia, and elevated liver enzyme levels. How is Rocky Mountain spotted fever treated? Rocky Mountain spotted fever is best treated by using a tetracycline (Achromycin) antibiotic, usually doxycycline (Vibramycin). This medication should be given in doses of 100 mg every 12 hours for adults or 4 mg/kg body weight per day in two divided doses for children under 45 kg (100 lbs). Patients are treated for at least 3 days after the fever subsides and until there is unequivocal evidence of clinical improvement. Standard duration of treatment is 5 to 10 days. Because laboratory confirmation is generally not available during acute illness, treatment is initiated based on clinical and epidemiological information. Can a person get Rocky Mountai
