• English
    X

    Google Translate Disclaimer

    The Maryland Department of Information Technology (“DoIT”) offers translations of the content through Google Translate. Because Google Translate is an external website, DoIT does not control the quality or accuracy of translated content. All DoIT content is filtered through Google Translate which may result in unexpected and unpredictable degradation of portions of text, images and the general appearance on translated pages. Google Translate may maintain unique privacy and use policies. These policies are not controlled by DoIT and are not associated with DoIT’s privacy and use policies. After selecting a translation option, users will be notified that they are leaving DoIT’s website. Users should consult the original English content on DoIT’s website if there are any questions about the translated content.

    DoIT uses Google Translate to provide language translations of its content. Google Translate is a free, automated service that relies on data and technology to provide its translations. The Google Translate feature is provided for informational purposes only. Translations cannot be guaranteed as exact or without the inclusion of incorrect or inappropriate language. Google Translate is a third-party service and site users will be leaving DoIT to utilize translated content. As such, DoIT does not guarantee and does not accept responsibility for, the accuracy, reliability, or performance of this service nor the limitations provided by this service, such as the inability to translate specific files like PDFs and graphics (e.g. .jpgs, .gifs, etc.).

    DoIT provides Google Translate as an online tool for its users, but DoIT does not directly endorse the website or imply that it is the only solution available to users. All site visitors may choose to use alternate tools for their translation needs. Any individuals or parties that use DoIT content in translated form, whether by Google Translate or by any other translation services, do so at their own risk. DoIT is not liable for any loss or damages arising out of, or issues related to, the use of or reliance on translated content. DoIT assumes no liability for any site visitor’s activities in connection with use of the Google Translate functionality or content.

    The Google Translate service is a means by which DoIT offers translations of content and is meant solely for the convenience of non-English speaking users of the website. The translated content is provided directly and dynamically by Google; DoIT has no direct control over the translated content as it appears using this tool. Therefore, in all contexts, the English content, as directly provided by DoIT is to be held authoritative.

    ​​

    Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever Fact Sheet

    PDF Version for this Fact Sheet

    Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF) 

    • ​It is caused by the bacterium known as Rickettsia rickettsii.
    • RMSF cases occur across the United States, but are most commonly reported in North Carolina, Tennessee, Missouri, Arkansas, and Oklahoma.

    Rocky Mountain spotted fever is transmitted in nature by the bite of infected ticks.

    • Dermacentor variabilis, also called the American dog tick, is the main transmitter of the infection in Maryland, and the eastern half of the United States.
    • Dermacentor andersoni, called the Rocky Mountain wood tick, can also transmit the bacteria in the upper northwest section of the United States.
    • Rhipicephalus sanguineus, also called the brown dog tick, can also transmit the bacteria in the southwestern United States.

    Signs and symptoms

    • Signs and symptoms begin 3-12 days after a tick bite.
    • Illness begins with sudden onset of fever and headache.
    • Rash typically occurs 2-4 days after the onset of fever.  It is highly variable and some people may fail to develop a rash.
    • Other symptoms include nausea/vomiting, abdominal pain, body aches, and swelling around the eyes and on the back of hands.

    Diagnosis and treatment

    • RMSF is a rapidly progressive disease and without early administration of treatment, it can be fatal within days.  See your doctor right away if you think you migh have RMSF.
    • There are blood tests that can help diagnose Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
    • Doxycycline is the most effective treatment for RMSF, including for children under 8 years of age.
    • Make sure you inform your doctor of any recent tick bites and of being in any wooded areas.

    Keep Ticks Off

    • Ticks are most active from late spring through early fall.
    • Use Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE), paramenthane-diol (PMD), or 2-undecanone to prevent tick bites.  Use as directed.
    • Repellents containing DEET may be used on children over 2 months of age.
    • Treat clothes with permethrin (do not use permethrin directly on skin).
    • Wear long pants and long sleeves to help keep ticks off of skin, and tuck pant legs into socks and shirts into pants to keep ticks on outside of clothing.
    • Wear light colored clothing to spot ticks more easily.
    • Talk to your veterinarian about tick control products for your pets.
    • When enjoying the outdoors, be aware that wooded or brushy areas with tall grass and leaf litter are prime tick habitat.  Walk in the center of the trail.
    • Check yourself, your kids, and your pets daily for ticks when spending time in tick habitat.
    • Bathe or shower as soon as possible after coming indoors (within 2 hours) to wash off ticks.

    To Remove Ticks

    • Use fine-tipped tweezers.
    • Grab the tick close to the skin; do not twist or jerk the tick.
    • Gently pull straight up until all parts of the tick are removed.
    • Wash your hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based rub.
    • Clean the site of the tick bite with soap and water or an antiseptic.
    • Do not use petroleum jelly, a hot match, nail polish, or other products to remove ticks.

    For more information on tickborne diseases, visit: