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Rocky Mountain spotted fever    See images

Overview | Symptoms | Treatment | Prevention

Alternative names:

Spotted fever

Treatment

The objective of treatment is careful removal of the tick from the skin and antibiotics to eliminate the infection. Doxyxyxline or tetracycline are frequently used. Chloramphenicol may be used in pregnant women.

Note: oral tetracycline and doxycyline is usually not prescribed for children until after all the permanent teeth have erupted because it can permanently discolor teeth that are still forming. For this disease, it may be used for short periods of time when it is felt that the risks outweigh the benefits.

Prognosis

Treatment usually cures the infection. Complications are rare but can include paralysis, hearing loss, and nerve damage. The death rate is 5 to 7% and usually reflects a delay in seeking treatment.

Complications

• pneumonitis
• respiratory or cardiac failure
• meningitis
• brain damage
• clotting problems
• kidney failure
• shock

Call Your Health Care Provider If:

Call your health care provider if symptoms develop after exposure to ticks or known tick bite. The complications of untreated Rocky Mountain spotted fever can be life threatening.

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