Black measles : Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever

Be aware of Tickborne Disease.

De: Judy Ng

Narrado por: Virtual Voice

Black measles : Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
Be aware of Tickborne Disease.

Book description.

Infectious diseases are diseases caused by microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites. They can sometimes be caught from other people, the environment, from animal contact or from insect bites.

One tickborne disease was first recognized in 1896 in the Snake River Valley of Idaho. It was originally called “black measles” because of the look of its rash in the late stages of the illness, when the skin turns black. Its another name is Rocky Mountain spotted fever.

Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) is an infection caused by the bacterium Rickettsia. RMSF cases occur throughout the United States, but are most commonly reported from North Carolina, Tennessee, Missouri, Arkansas, and Oklahoma.

In New York, the American dog tick (Dermacentar variablis) is the most common tick that spreads the disease. Fewer than 50 cases are reported annually in New York State. RMSF is a serious illness that can be fatal in the first 8 days of symptoms if not treated correctly, even in previously healthy people.

Both people and dogs can become infected with RMSF if they are bitten by an infected tick. People cannot get this infection directly from dogs. However, if a dog has become infected, any people or other animals that share the dog's environment could become infected by being bitten by an infected tick.

What will happen if Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever is left untreated ?

Find out more on the consequences and what can be done to minimise these health risks.