Wednesday, May 18, 2016

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
Tennessee health officials are warning residents to be careful of tick bites this spring because of the increased incidence of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. Residents should be when going outdoors, wear high socks and pay attention when walking through high grass. While Lyme disease is the most common tick-borne illness nationally, it is much less common in East Tennessee. Instead, doctors worry about Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, which, despite its name, is most common in mid South states. There were 603 cases reported in Tennessee last year. The disease is carried by the common American dog tick, and causes a pink, spotted rash that sometimes appears around the wrists, forearms and ankles within the first few days of the infection, however not everyone gets the spots.. If they appear, the spots turn deeper red or purple around Day 6, but it is important to treat the infection before that happens or it can become fatal, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Protection. The initial symptoms of a tick-borne illness sometimes are not recognized because they resemble other medical problems: "You have a fever, headache, joint pains, muscle aches — sometimes there is some confusion." Cornea said. The good news is that the same treatment — a dose of antibiotics for anywhere from one to three weeks — works for most types of tick-borne illnesses.


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