Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF) is a disease transmitted by ticks. The most common tick in Ohio, the American dog tick (Dermacentor variabilis), is the primary carrier of this disease.

The disease “Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever” is misnamed, since only about two percent of cases reported each year are contracted in the Rocky Mountain region. Most cases of spotted fever occur in the southeastern U.S. From 1956 to 2000, there have been 741 cases of RMSF in Ohio.

Persons of any age can get RMSF, but about one half of the patients are under 20 years of age. Most cases occur between May 1 and July 31 each year, when dog tick populations are at their highest levels. RMSF occurs most commonly in areas where ticks and their wild animal hosts are abundant. The dog tick has three feeding stages in its life cycle: larva, nymph, and adult. The immature stages feed almost exclusively on small rodents such as field mice and meadow voles. The adult tick seeks larger hosts and are often found on dogs. Adult dog ticks will also readily attach to humans.

Ticks are commonly found in overgrown vacant lots, fallow farm fields, along weedy roadsides, and at the edges of paths and hiking trails. In the spring and summer, adult dog ticks wait on vegetation for a suitable host to pass by. When a person or animal brushes against the vegetation, the tick will cling to fur or clothing and begin to crawl upwards, seeking a place to attach and take a blood meal.

Symptoms of Spotted Fever:
Symptoms usually appear 3-12 days after tick contact. There is a sudden onset of symptoms, which include: fever, headache and aching muscles. A rash usually develops on the wrists and ankles on the 2nd or 3rd day of fever. The rash then spreads to involve the rest of the body, including the palms and soles of the feet. If you experience these symptoms following tick contact, see your physician.

It is important to receive the appropriate antibiotics as soon as possible of spotted fever is suspected. The fatality rate for RMSF is about four percent. Most fatalities can be attributed to a delay in seeking medical attention. If spotted fever is recognized and treated early, there is usually a rapid recovery. Tetracycline or Chloramphenicol are used to treat this disease.

Transmission of Spotted Fever:
Spotted fever is usually transmitted by the bite of an infected tick. However, only 2/3 of all patients can recall a tick bite. Some patients only reported contact with a crawling tick, or with a tick-infested dog. Spotted fever may be acquired from body fluids of an infected tick coming into contact with broken skin (e.g. cuts and scrapes). Removal of ticks from dogs may be particularly hazardous in this regard.

Dogs and Spotted Fever:
When dogs are allowed to run loose, they may bring ticks from fields into your home and yard, where they may attach to people. Each fat, blood-engorged tick can lay up to 6,500 eggs. This is how tick infestations get started.

• Dogs can get RMSF too.
• Dogs should be kept tied up or penned in a well-mowed area during tick season (April-August)
• Treatments are available to control ticks on dogs. Always follow label instructions.
• Dogs should be inspected by an adult person for ticks everyday. Ticks should be handled with caution and disposed of safely.

Lyme Disease:
Lyme disease is a bacterial disease carried by the black-legged tick (Ixodes scapularis). During the period 1982-1999, there were about 190,000 cases reported nationwide. Most cases were reported from the New England area to North Carolina, Wisconsin, Minnesota and California. Many of Ohio’s reported cases were actually acquired out of state.

Symptoms of Lyme Disease:
Persons in tick-infested areas should be alert for a red, ring like rash with a diameter of greater than 1” developing 3-32 days after a tick bite. Fever and headache may also be present. Other symptoms include fatigue, joint pain and swelling, Bell’s Palsy and nausea. If you experience these symptoms following tick contact, see your physician.

Immediate antibiotic therapy is indicated to reduce the risk of arthritis, neurological or cardiac complications.

Transmission of Lyme Disease:
The Black-legged tick is rare in Ohio: Only eleven have been found from 1983 to 2000. Neither the Black-legged tick nor the Lyme Disease organism have been proven to be established in Ohio. However, the fat that the black-legged tick has been found in Ohio means that the black-legged ticks are being imported into Ohio on migratory birds, travelers and their pets.

Tick Removal:

• If a tick becomes attached to you, remove it as soon as possible. By removing a tick as soon as it is detected, you reduce the chances of becoming infected with RMSF, Lyme Disease or other diseases.
• Shield fingers with a paper towel or use tweezers. Grasp the tick close to the skin and with steady pressure pull straight out.
• Do not twist or jerk the tick, as this may cause the mouth parts to be left in the skin. Take care not to crush or puncture the tick during removal.
• Do not use a hot match or cigarette to remove a tick, this may cause the tick to burst. Spotted fever may be acquired from infected body fluids which may come in contact with broken skin, the mouth or eyes.
• After removing a tick, thoroughly disinfect the bite site and wash hands with soap and water.
• Tick cans be safely disposed of by placing them in a container of oil or alcohol.

Prevention of Tick-borne Diseases:
The risk of exposure to ticks and RMSF and Lyme Disease can be reduced by following these precautions:

• Avoid tick-infested areas
• If exposure to a tick infested area is unavoidable, tuck pants into socks or boots. Wearing light colored clothing makes it easier to find crawling ticks.
• Use repellants on clothing and exposed skin, following label instructions carefully.
• Make frequent inspection for ticks.
• Check children at least twice a day.
• Pay special attention to the scalp and area behind the ears.
• Use caution when handling ticks.
• Dispose of them properly.
• Check clothing for crawling ticks that may have been brought in from outdoors.
• Do not permit dogs to run loose. Dogs can pick up ticks and bring them into the home environment.
• Keep yard and play areas well mowed to discourage tick infestation
• Save the tick and have it identified. The identification can be shown to your physician in event of illness.
• Store ticks in a small container with a tight lid, cotton ball and one (1) drop of water
• TICKS FROM HUMANS MUST BE KEPT ALIVE!

For more information or to have a tick identified, contact Mike Brady at 419-213-4100, Environmental Health #3