San Diego County public health officials are bringing attention to the Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, following the tragic death of a San Diego resident who contracted the disease during a trip to Baja California.
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever is a disease transmitted by ticks to both humans and dogs. These ticks are commonly found in hiking trails, grassy or wooded areas, especially during the wetter months of winter and spring. However, the risk is year-round in places with a high population of stray dogs, such as Baja California, as these strays often carry infected ticks.
To protect themselves, people can use insect repellent and appropriate clothing, and apply insect control products on their pets to kill fleas and ticks.
Early treatment with antibiotics is crucial for Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, as the disease manifests with symptoms like fever, headaches, and stomach upset. It is important to report any insect bites and recent outdoor activities when seeking medical attention.
Although the risk of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever is year-round in Baja California, San Diego County typically only sees one to three cases per year, with all reported cases having a travel history to areas where the disease is prevalent. The last local death from this disease occurred in a San Diego hospital in 2014.
The County’s Vector Control Program monitors the population of vectors, which include ticks, rodents, and mosquitoes that can transmit diseases to people.
Ticks, small eight-legged insects related to spiders, are the carriers of not only Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever but also other diseases like Lyme disease and tularemia. Health officials recommend checking for ticks after outdoor activities and carefully removing them with tweezers if found. It’s also advisable to keep the tick for identification purposes, as only certain ticks carry this disease.
If a rash or fever develops after a tick bite, it is crucial to see a doctor and provide details about the bite and outdoor activities.
For more information on tick protection and removal, visit the San Diego County website.
