The CDC issued a warning after three deaths from Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) near the California-Mexico border. Six cases were reported between July 2023 and January 2024, linked to Tecate, Mexico, where patients had contact with dogs. RMSF is a severe tick-borne disease, and delayed diagnosis and treatment can be fatal. Early treatment with doxycycline is crucial.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a warning after 3 people out of six infected died from the
Rocky Mountain spotted fever
(RMSF), a severe tick-borne disease at the California-Mexico border region over six months. The California Department of Public Health reported six cases of RMSF caused by Rickettsia rickettsii, between July 2023 and January 2024, which were linked to exposures in Tecate, Mexico. The patients ranged from ages 17 months to 65 years, and all but one were male.
According to the CDC, the identification and reporting of the cases were complicated by challenges in diagnosis. The serious nature of the disease and delays in initiating appropriate treatment can result in life-threatening consequences.
What is Rocky Mountain spotted fever?
Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) is a tick-borne disease, endemic in areas of the Americas. Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) is a tickborne disease endemic in areas of the Americas. This infection is spread by the bite of an infected tick. A high incidence of RMSF is found in northern Mexico, driven by local populations of brown dog ticks (Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato) and free-roaming dogs.
RMSF cannot be spread from person to person, and CDC reports that about 250 to 1,200 cases are reported in the U.S. annually.
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The disease is spread by several species of ticks in the United States such as the American dog tick (Dermacentor variabilis)and Rocky Mountain wood tick (Dermacentor andersoni). In parts of the southwestern United States and Mexico, the Brown dog tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus) spreads the disease.
Out of the six cases reported so far, three patients were U.S. residents. While interviewing the surviving patients or their family members, the experts discovered that each patient had traveled to or lived in Tecate, Mexico within 8 days of illness onset. They all had exposure to dogs in Tecate, and one patient reported a tick bite.
Symptoms
According to CDC, the initial signs and symptoms, include fever, cough, or abdominal pain, which can mimic other diseases.
- Fever
- Headache
- Rash
- Nausea or vomiting
- Stomach pain
- Muscle pain
- Lack of appetite
Prevention
Currently, no vaccine is available to prevent RMSF. The most effective way to avoid the illness is by taking measures to prevent tick bites on yourself, your pets, and around your home.
Treatment
Treatment should be administered immediately if RMSF is suspected because there are no rapid, point-of-care diagnostic tests to confirm acute disease. Molecular testing such as the Karius Test is done to diagnose the disease. This disease can be life-threatening. Early treatment with the antibiotic doxycycline can prevent death and severe illness, according to the CDC. This treatment is approved for adults and children of all ages.
(Pic courtesy: iStock)
I’m Manas Ranjan Sahoo: Founder of “Webtirety Software”. I’m a Full-time Software Professional and an aspiring entrepreneur, dedicated to growing this platform as large as possible. I love to Write Blogs on Software, Mobile applications, Web Technology, eCommerce, SEO, and about My experience with Life.
