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Article Posted: 06/01/2004 8:28:35 AM
Two Cases of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever Identified in Nebraska
Lincoln—Two cases of Rocky Mountain spotted fever have been identified in Jefferson County, the first cases this year. Both of the individuals are under 19 years of age.
Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) is caused by a rickettsia, a microbe that differs from bacteria and virus. It is spread by the bite of an infected tick. In Nebraska the American dog tick, which is mottled brown in color, is the most common carrier. The people most at risk are those who have exposure to tick-infested habitats, such as wooded and grassy areas.
"With summer here, people will be outdoors more, doing activities like camping, fishing, hunting, and picnicking," said Dr. Richard Raymond, the state’s Chief Medical Officer, from the Nebraska Health and Human Services System. "That places them at risk of being bit by ticks. Having two cases so early this year, when we usually only have 3 to 6 cases per year, is worrisome."
Symptoms usually appear within two weeks of the bite of an infected tick. They include the sudden onset of a moderate to high fever (which can last for two or three weeks), severe headache, fatigue, deep muscle pain, chills and rash. Antibiotics can treat the disease.
When in tick-infested areas, special precautions can be taken to prevent tick bites such as: using insect repellent containing DEET for the skin or the insecticide permethrin for clothing, wearing light-colored clothing (for easy tick discovery), and tucking pants into socks and shirt into pants. Thoroughly check children and self for ticks after outdoor exposure. A tick needs to be attached for more than four hours in order for transmission of the disease to occur. The longer the duration of attachment, the more likelihood that infection will occur.
"Wearing mosquito repellent containing DEET or insecticide containing permethrin are vitally important, both because we are facing Rocky Mountain spotted fever and also West Nile virus," said Dr. Raymond. West Nile is passed by the bite of a mosquito. Mosquitoes can also carry Western equine encephalitis and St. Louis encephalitis.
Ticks should be removed by using tweezers, placing them as close as possible to the area of the bite and pulling on the mouth parts, being careful not to squeeze or crush the body of the tick. After removing the tick, thoroughly wash the site and hands with soap and water. Don’t attempt to remove a tick by using petroleum jelly, lit cigarettes, or other home remedies, which increase the chance of contracting a tick-borne disease.
Ticks can also transmit Lyme disease, tularemia and erlichiosis, all potentially serious diseases.
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