How long does rmsf last

Other measures The following may also be helpful: When possible, walk on cleared paths and pavement through wooded areas and fields.

Shower after all outdoor activities are over for the day. It may take up to 4 to 6 hours for ticks to attach firmly to skin. Showering may help remove any loose ticks.

Check pets for ticks and treat as needed. When should I call my healthcare provider? If your symptoms get worse or you have new symptoms, let your healthcare provider know. Key points about Rocky Mountain spotted fever RMSF is caused by a bacterium that is spread to people by the bite of an infected tick.

Symptoms include a rash, fever, headache, decreased appetite, chills, sore throat, confusion, stomach ache, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea, body aches, and sensitivity to light. Treatment includes antibiotics and symptom relief. If untreated, serious complications, including nerve damage, hearing loss, incontinence, partial paralysis, and gangrene of toes or fingers, can occur.

Next steps Tips to help you get the most from a visit to your healthcare provider: Know the reason for your visit and what you want to happen. Before your visit, write down questions you want answered. Bring someone with you to help you ask questions and remember what your provider tells you. At the visit, write down the name of a new diagnosis, and any new medicines, treatments, or tests.

Also write down any new instructions your provider gives you. Know why a new medicine or treatment is prescribed, and how it will help you.

Also know what the side effects are. Ask if your condition can be treated in other ways. Know why a test or procedure is recommended and what the results could mean.

Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Syndicate. Signs and Symptoms. Minus Related Pages. Late stage rash in a patient with Rocky Mountain spotted fever. More Information For Healthcare Providers. Tickborne diseases of the United States. Avoiding Ticks Tick life cycle and hosts Removing a tick Diseases transmitted by ticks. Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Syndicate. Signs and Symptoms. Minus Related Pages. On This Page. Top of Page. Other spotted fevers in the United States include: Rickettsia parkeri rickettsiosis, caused by parkeri Pacific Coast tick fever, caused by Rickettsia D Rickettsialpox, caused by Rickettsia akari These diseases share many signs and symptoms, including fever, headache, and rash, but are typically less severe than RMSF.

Tickborne diseases of the United States.