SCOUTER Feature
Rocky
Mountain Spotted Fever
ALWAYS consult your medical
physician
for diagnosis and treatment of any medical condition.
by MaryAnn Gardner
Rocky Mountain spotted
fever (RMSF) is a tick-borne illness which occurs in most of the United States. Most cases
are mild and disappear within two weeks. However, 20% of those who remain untreated die.
Treatment with antibiotics when diagnosed quickly is quite effective. Rocky Mountain
Spotted Fever is transmitted to humans through tick bites.
Carriers are the brown dog tick (eastern USA), Rocky Mountain wood tick(western USA), and
the lone star tick(southern USA) . Symptoms begin three to 10 days after the bite. Kidshealth.org provides a look
at the rash which accompanies RMSF. This rash is sometimes mistaken for measles, but
does not appear on the face. Quick treatment is the key to successful treatment. As it is
delayed, the death rate from this disease rises.
Victims are often campers, dog owners, and people who spend a great deal
of time outside. There are approximately 1600 cases per year. Most occur in the Spring or
Summer months.
The onhealth
website gives the following steps you can take to prevent contracting the
disease:
| Avoidance, or early removal, of ticks
is the best way to prevent RMSF. Take care if you are camping, mowing, gardening or
walking in fields or woods where ticks live. Most ticks live near the ground, so wear
shoes and long pants tucked into socks. Spray insect repellent on clothing. Frequent
mowing helps suppress tick populations. Inspect ankles, waistline and hair thoroughly
several times a day and at bedtime. Ticks show up best against light-colored clothing,
although the color white, heat and perspiration odor may attract them. Fit your dog or cat
with a flea collar. |
If you are bitten by a tick, ALWAYS save it so correct
identification and testing can be done.
BUDDY TAG IT-
In Scouting we have two very useful and readily available tools for keeping up with tick
bites. After removing a tick, find a 35mm plastic film cannister and then use a Buddy Tag
to mark where and when and from whom the tick was removed. Any Summer Camp Health Lodge
should have both of these items, and they should become a part of your troop First Aid
Kit.
SCOUTER
cautions our visitors that we are NOT medical experts. We cannot and do not verify that
information available on the Internet is correct. These links and their data should be
used for information ONLY. ALWAYS consult your medical physician for diagnosis and treatment.
Related Compass Point - Lyme Disease |
