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a tick-borne infectious disease caused by the bacterium Rickettsia rickettsii, characterized by fever, rash, and, if untreated, potential complications involving multiple organ systems
What is "Rocky Mountain spotted fever"?
Rocky Mountain spotted fever is a bacterial infection spread by the bite of infected ticks, particularly the American dog tick and the Rocky Mountain wood tick. It is most common in North and South America. Symptoms of Rocky Mountain spotted fever typically include high fever, headache, muscle aches, and a spotted rash that usually starts on the wrists and ankles and spreads to the rest of the body. In serious cases, it can lead to complications such as organ damage, neurological problems, or even death if not treated immediately with antibiotics. Prevention involves avoiding tick bites through protective clothing, insect repellents, and avoiding areas with a lot of ticks.
