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Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
Medical Questions » Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
| Name: Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever |
| Also known as: |
| Serious widespread infection that occurs throughout the Americas, but most commonly in the western United States. |
Causes of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
The primitive bacteria Rickettsia rickettsii, which is transmitted from numerous small wild mammals and dogs to man by a tick bite. Incubation period 3 to 12 days. |
Symptoms of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
Sudden onset of severe headache, shaking, very high fever, muscle pains, nausea, restlessness, delirium and collapse. Belly muscles may become very sore and pain occurs in numerous joints. A faint pink large spotted rash appears on the arms and legs about four days after other symptoms. The rash steadily darkens to a deep red, tends to be more severe over bony prominences (eg. sides of ankles), and bleeding may occur into the spots which may then degenerate into ulcers. Rapid pulse and low blood pressure develop when the heart becomes affected. |
Tests for Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
Diagnosed by specific blood tests. |
Treatment for Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
Potent antibiotics (eg. chloramphenicol, tetracycline) by drip into a vein.
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Complications of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever of its treatment
Pneumonia, ear and salivary gland infections, dehydration, enlarged spleen, and blood clots (thrombosis) in limbs which may lead to gangrene. Permanent effects rarely occur after recovery, but may include permanent paralysis and epilepsy. |
Likely Outcome of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
Up to 20% of patients die, even with good medical care, but the mortality rate is higher in the elderly. |
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