Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF)

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF)

Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) is a bacterial infection transmitted by a tick. Typical symptoms include fever, headache, abdominal pain, vomiting, and muscle pain. A red, nonitchy rash associated typically appears three to five days after the initial signs and symptoms begin. RMSF can be a severe and fatal disease if not treated in the first few days of symptoms.

Information for the General Public

• Fact Sheet

Information for Public Health Departments

• Disease Plan
• Case Report Form

Education & Prevention

• Avoiding Ticks on People
• Avoiding Ticks on Pets
• Preventing Ticks in the Yard
• Removing a Tick

Resources

• Centers for Disease Control & Prevention
• Kid’s Health
• Mayo Clinic
• MedLine Plus
• National Institute of Allergy & Infectious Diseases
• Travelers’ Health