Why This Dangerous Tick Disease is Becoming a Threat in Arizona

Today I received a dispatch from the Cochise County Department of Health. There is growing concern about Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever spreading through ticks in our area.

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Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever: A Serious Tick-Borne Disease

Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) is becoming a concern in Arizona. According to the CDC, RMSF is “one of the most severe tick-borne illnesses in the United States.”

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It’s caused by the bacterium Rickettsia rickettsii and is spread through the bite of infected ticks. The disease gets its name from the Rocky Mountains, but cases can occur across the country. Right now, health officials are concerned about cases in Arizona. The Arizona Department of Health and Human Services (AZDHS) is continuing to monitor outbreaks closely.

Health officials are concerned because RMSF can be dangerous if it’s left untreated. Cases can become life-threatening and could cause damage to organs, nerves, and blood vessels.

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How is RMSF Spread?

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever is a tick-borne illness that, thankfully, isn’t spread from person to person. In Arizona, the primary carrier is the brown dog tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus). These ticks can become infected with the bacteria and pass it to humans through their bites, according to Maricopa.gov.

Dogs are a big part of the problem because they can bring ticks into your home and yard and are more likely to expose humans to them. In places with many free-roaming dogs and heavy tick infestations, Arizona has seen its worst RMSF outbreaks.

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What are the Symptoms of RMSF?

Early symptoms can make someone infected with RMSF feel like they have the flu. This makes RMSF difficult to recognize at first, since it mimics the onset of many other illnesses.

Common symptoms are fever, severe headache, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite. After a few days, a rash may develop. The rash typically starts at the wrists and ankles before spreading to the rest of the body.

Not everyone develops a rash, however, which can delay diagnosis. Health experts stress that treatment should begin based on symptoms and exposure risk, not just the presence of a rash, according to the Mayo Clinic.

READ: How To Tell If It's Too Hot To Walk Your Dog In Arizona

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Prevention and Early Treatment Save Lives

If someone believes they may have been infected with RMSF, it’s important to seek medical treatment immediately. A course of doxycycline antibiotics is critical for treatment.

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While working outdoors, be sure to use tick repellents, check yourself and your pets for ticks, and seek medical attention if symptoms develop after a tick bite or exposure to ticks. Quick action can make the difference between a full recovery and a serious illness.