Rocky Mountain spotted fever
Alternative names:
spotted fever
Treatment:
The objective of treatment is careful removal of the tick from the skin and antibiotics to eliminate the infection. Chloramphenicol and tetracycline are frequently used.
Note: oral tetracycline is usually not prescribed for children until after all the permanent teeth have erupted; it can permanently discolor teeth that are still forming.
Expectations (prognosis):
Treatment usually cures the infection. Complications are rare. The death rate is 5 to 7% and usually reflects a delay in seeking treatment.
Complications:
Calling your health care provider:
Call your health care provider if symptoms develop after exposure to ticks or known tick bite. The complications of untreated Rocky Mountain spotted fever can be life threatening.
|
