Tick
Fever!
Springtime, summertime, fun time, and tick time! Those pesky critters that like to feed on blood are considered repulsive by some and just an annoyance by others. I don’t know of anyone that lives in our beautiful Ozark area that hasn’t experienced having to remove at least one tick trying to get a meal from them. Unfortunately, ticks can be more than just an annoyance; they can spread disease. Most people are familiar with Lyme disease, spread by the deer tick. Another tick-borne disease seen in our area is Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF). Seasonal outbreaks of RMSF occur in April through September, with a peak incidence in May and June. The number of cases reported to the State Department of Health so far this year has more than doubled over what was reported last year.
Rickettsia rickettsii is the organism responsible for RMSF. The organisms are introduced into humans after an infected tick has been feeding for more than 6 hours. Prompt medical attention and antibiotics are required. The mortality rate for this disease is 4%. Diagnosis is typically made by clinical symptoms with a history of prolonged tick exposure. Blood tests are required for a definitive diagnosis.
The best way to prevent RMSF and other tick-borne diseases is to keep pets and the area close to the home tick free. Many good products are available through your veterinarian to repel ticks on your pets. Keeping the yard areas around your home well groomed is also helpful. When going into the woods wear long pants and shirtsleeves. Applying a product containing DEET, especially around the legs and ankles, is very beneficial. Since the tick has to feed for 6 hours before the disease is introduced, make it a habit during tick season to inspect your children a minimum of every 4-6 hours for ticks and promptly remove any that are found.
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