Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF)

ABOUT

Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) is a bacterial infection caused by bites from infected American dog ticks. Symptoms include fever and headache and generally begin 2 to 14 days after the tick bite. RMSF can be successfully treated with antibiotics, but the infection can be severe or even fatal if not treated early. Most RMSF cases are reported in the central and southeastern regions of the United States. RMSF is not frequently reported in West Virginia residents (0 to 10 cases per year).

COMMUNITY

• Tickborne Illness Prevention Checklist 
• Symptoms
• CDC Information: Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever

HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS

Report within 1 WEEK to the local health department.

• Fact Sheet 
• Clincial Timeline
• Physician Pocket Card
• Trainings with CEUs
• Video: Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever for Clinicians
• Diagnosis and Management of Tickborne Rickettsial Disease
• Tick Submissions for Veterinarians

LOCAL HEALTH DEPARTMENTS

• Surveillance Protocol 
• Case Definition
• WVEDSS
• Case Report Form
• Tick Submission Form For Veterinarians

DATA AND SURVEILLANCE

• Arboviral Diseases
• Tick Surveillance
• Zoonotic Disease Report