Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) is characterized by sudden onset of moderate to high fever that ordinarily persists for 2 to 3 weeks in untreated cases. Fever is accompanied by significant malaise, deep muscle pain, severe headache, chills, and conjunctival injection. A maculopapular rash usually appears first on palms and soles and then spreads rapidly to much of the body. RMSF is caused by Rickettsia rickettsii, which is transmitted by the bite of an infective American dog tick (Dermacentor variabilis).

Table of Contents:

• Fact Sheet 
• Questions and Answers 
• Case Report Form 

For more information, please go to http://health.state.ga.us/epi/vbd/tick.asp.

Graphs