Tick-borne Rocky Mountain spotted fever spreading in Canada

Quebec Reports First Case of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever

Quebec has recently reported its first case of Rocky Mountain spotted fever, a potentially deadly tick-borne disease. This disease has also been detected in dogs in Ontario. Here’s everything you need to know about preventing, identifying, and treating this illness.

What is Rocky Mountain spotted fever?

Rocky Mountain spotted fever is caused by the bacteria Rickettsia rickettsii. It was first identified in the Rocky Mountain valleys of Idaho and Montana in the 1890s. Symptoms in humans include fever, headache, nausea or vomiting, stomach pain, muscle pain, and lack of appetite. The disease is named after the red rash that develops a few days after the fever starts. The rash can vary from pinpoint dots to red splotches. Treatment usually involves the antibiotic doxycycline, and most people fully recover. However, in the U.S., the disease can be fatal in five to ten percent of cases even with treatment.

Transmission and Spread

Rocky Mountain spotted fever is transmitted through tick bites and cannot be passed from person to person. The American dog tick, found from eastern Alberta to Nova Scotia, is the primary carrier of this disease. Other ticks that can transmit the illness include the Rocky Mountain wood tick and the brown dog tick. These ticks are commonly found in grassy and wooded areas.

The disease has been more prevalent in the U.S., particularly in states like North Carolina, Tennessee, Missouri, Arkansas, and Oklahoma. In Canada, cases have been rare but are on the rise. The recent case in Quebec suggests that the disease may be spreading northward due to climate change, allowing ticks to expand their range.

Prevention and Treatment

To protect against tick bites, it is recommended to stay on trails and away from tall grass and leaf litter. Wearing long sleeves, long pants, and insect repellent can also help prevent bites. After being in tick-prone areas, individuals should check themselves and their pets for ticks and remove them promptly.

For dogs, oral or topical tick preventive medications can reduce the risk of exposure. If symptoms of Rocky Mountain spotted fever develop after being in tick-infested areas, it is crucial to inform your healthcare provider or veterinarian for prompt diagnosis and treatment. While these diseases are still rare in Canada, awareness and precaution are essential as tick populations continue to expand.

In conclusion, Rocky Mountain spotted fever is a serious illness that can be prevented with proper precautions. By taking steps to avoid tick bites and seeking timely treatment, the risk of contracting this disease can be significantly reduced. Stay informed and stay safe!