[an error occurred while processing this directive] 2002-2003 Infectious Disease - Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever [an error occurred while processing this directive] [an error occurred while processing this directive]

2002 Indiana Report of Infectious Diseases

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever

Table 1. Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever Cases by Race and Sex, Indiana, 2002
  2002 1998-2002
Cases Rate* Cases
Total 5 0.08 25
Race
   White 4 0.07 21
   Black 0 0 0
   Other 0 0 1
   Not Reported 1 - 3
Sex
   Male 1 0.03 15
   Female 4 0.13 10
   Not Reported 0 - 0

*Rate per 100,000 population based on the U.S. Census Bureau’s   population data as of July 1, 2002

Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) is caused by the bacteria Rickettsia rickettsii. RMSF is transmitted in Indiana by the dog tick (Dermacentor variabilis), which lives in wooded areas and tall, grassy fields. RMSF occurs 5-10 days after a bite from an infected tick. Signs and symptoms include high fever, severe headache, nausea, vomiting, muscle and joint pain, and lack of appetite, followed by a rash. Early treatment with antibiotics ensures recovery.

During the five-year period 1998-2002, 25 cases of RMSF were reported in Indiana, including 5 cases in 2002 (Figure 1). The disease is most common in the spring and summer months when ticks are active but can occur anytime during the year when the weather is warm (Figure 2). In Southern Indiana, ticks may be active into the late fall. Age-specific rates were greatest for young children from 1-9 years of age followed by adults from 30-49 years of age (Figure 3). RMSF may occur in all areas of Indiana, but most cases occur in the southern portion of the state. Cases are reported by county of residence and may not always reflect where the tick exposure occurred.

You can learn more about Rocky Mountain spotted fever by visiting the following Web sites:
http://www.IN.gov/isdh/healthinfo/rmsf.htm
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/rmsf/index.htm

 

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