Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever: Symptoms & Signs

Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) is a bacterial infection. The illness can be very severe and typically requires hospital care. Rocky Mountain spotted fever is a seasonal disease, occurring during the months of April through September in the U.S. Most cases occur in the south-Atlantic region of the United States.

Signs and symptoms of RMSF in the early stages can be nonspecific and may resemble those of many other diseases. Initial symptoms may include fever, nausea, vomiting, decreased appetite, and muscle aches. A severe headache is characteristic of this disease. Other, later associated signs and symptoms include a skin rash, joint pains, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.

Cause of Rocky Mountain spotted fever

Rickettsia rickettsii is the bacteria that causes RMSF. The bacteria spreads to humans via the bite of a tick that carries Rickettsia rickettsii.

Other rocky mountain spotted fever symptoms and signs

• Abdominal Pain
• Chills
• Eye Redness
• Headache
• Joint Pain
• Loss of Appetite
• Muscle Pain
• Nausea
• Rash
• Sensitivity to Light
• Vomiting

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