Mountain fever

Mountain Fever is an infectious disease primarily associated with the Rocky Mountains region of North America. It is also known as Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF), a tick-borne illness caused by the bacterium Rickettsia rickettsii.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

The initial symptoms of Mountain Fever include fever, headache, abdominal pain, vomiting, and muscle pain. A rash may also develop, but is often absent in the first few days, and in some patients, never develops. Mountain Fever can be a severe or even fatal illness if not treated in the first few days of symptoms.

Diagnosis is based on clinical signs and symptoms, and can later be confirmed by using specialized laboratory tests. RMSF and other tick-borne diseases can be prevented.

Treatment

Doxycycline is the first line treatment for adults and children of all ages, and is most effective if started before the fifth day of symptoms. The patient's condition may worsen for a few days after treatment begins, but this does not mean the treatment is ineffective.

Prevention

Prevention relies on avoiding ticks in tick-infested areas and using tick repellents.

See Also

• Tick-borne disease
• Rickettsia rickettsii
• Doxycycline