The Grayson County Health Department reports it has received reports of 26 cases of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever since July 7.
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF) is a bacterial disease spread through the bite of an infected tick. Most people who get sick with RMSF will have a fever, headache, and rash. RMSF can be deadly if not treated early with antibiotics.
Early signs and symptoms are not specific to RMSF (including fever and headache); however, the disease can rapidly progress to a serious and life-threatening illness. See your healthcare provider if you become ill after having been bitten by a tick or having been in the woods or in areas with high brush where ticks commonly live.
Besides a fever and headache, other signs and symptoms may include: Rash, nausea, vomiting, stomach and muscle pain, and lack of appetite.
If one finds a tick embedded in skin, please remove it by ensuring the tick’s head has been completely taken out.
“We are seeing an increase in tick-borne illnesses in Grayson and surrounding counties,” Dr. Bryce Meredith told the Grayson County Health Department. “Individuals should have heightened awareness regarding ticks in our area. The most common illnesses are Ehrlichiosis and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. Ticks are commonly in woods, grassy, or bushy areas. If individuals are planning on being in these areas, they should plan accordingly and wear long sleeves, long pants tucked into your socks, and use an EPA approved insect and tick repellent. Once an individual has returned inside, they should check their clothes and body for ticks. Early awareness and early tick removal is particularly important. Typically, if an individual removes a tick within 24-48 hours, this decreases the rate of disease transmission. I encourage individuals to contact their physician if a tick has been attached for an undetermined time or if they develop fever, rash, chills, or vague symptoms such as new onset unexplained dizziness or excessive fatigue.”
For more information, please visit the CDC’s website: https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/tick-borne/default.html
Photo: 5-year-old boy with RMSF, courtesy of LittleThings.com)
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com or 270-259-6000
