Tickborne Disease Claims 3 Lives In US, CDC Reports
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced three deaths caused by Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF), a deadly tickborne illness, marking an alarming development in public health. The fatalities were among six cases reported in California between July 2023 and January 2024.
The disease, spread by the brown dog tick, was contracted by individuals aged 17 months to 65 years. All but one patient were female. The CDC stated that each person had traveled to or lived in Tecate, Mexico, within eight days before symptoms began and had contact with a dog.
RMSF is typically rare in California. From 2011 to 2019, only one case was reported annually on average, making the recent spike particularly concerning.
Symptoms of RMSF, such as fever, cough and abdominal pain, resemble other illnesses, often complicating timely diagnosis. This challenge is worsened by the lack of a rapid test for RMSF. Despite these hurdles, swift treatment is critical. The CDC emphasized that doxycycline, an antibiotic, must be administered as soon as RMSF is suspected due to its rapid progression.
While RMSF has been more commonly associated with northern Mexico and areas along the U.S.-Mexico border, the increase in cases underscores the broader risks of tickborne diseases. The CDC continues to urge caution for individuals traveling to affected regions and those exposed to free-roaming dogs.
This outbreak highlights the need for public awareness of tickborne illnesses, which also include Lyme disease, to ensure swift medical intervention and prevention strategies.
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