Rocky Mountain fever or Rocky Mountain spotted fever is a serious infection which can cause a fever, headache, joint and muscle pain, fatigue, nausea and a skin rash. Without treatment, a severe case of this disease can lead to kidney failure, shock and even death. The good news is that this condition can be prevented. The first step in prevention is to understand the causes of Rocky Mountain fever, and then take steps to avoid exposure.
Bacteria
Rocky Mountain fever is caused by the bacteria Rickettsia rickettsii. According to the University of Wisconsin, the bacteria enter the cells that line the blood vessels. This infection damages the cells, which leak blood, causing a skin rash as well as damage to body tissues and organs. If caught early, treatment usually results in complete recovery. If left untreated, however, Rocky Mountain spotted fever can be fatal. A blood test can help confirm a diagnosis.
Tick Bites
The most common way to be infected is through the bite of a tick that is carrying this bacteria, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Ixodidaeor hard ticks, which live in grassy, wooded areas, are the usual carriers. This includes the wood tick (Dermacentor andersoni), found in the western United States; the American dog tick (Dermacentor variabilis), found in the eastern United States; and the cayenne tick (Amblyomma cajennense) and brown dog tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus), which are found in the southern part of the United States, Central America and South America. In most cases, these ticks are active in the warmer months. Ticks tend to attach themselves to the body, where they bite and spread the infection into the blood stream. The best defense is to take steps to avoid tick bites. This includes avoiding woody and grassy areas during the months ticks are most active, keeping the skin covered and checking for ticks after spending time outside.
Broken Skin
The Mayo Clinic states that Rocky Mountain fever can also occur when there is a cut or broken skin anywhere on the body that comes into contact with the bacteria. This can occur when attempting to remove a tick from a person or pet. If the tick is not removed properly, fluid can leak from the infected tick and enter the bloodstream through the broken skin or even through the eyes if a person touches his eyes before washing his hands.
