Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF), a rare but fatal tickborne disease, has claimed three lives in the U.S., the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported. The deaths occurred among six cases identified in California over a six-month period, a significant increase from the state’s usual rate.
The CDC revealed that patients ranged from a toddler to a senior, with most being female. All had traveled to Tecate, Mexico, shortly before falling ill and had contact with dogs, a known carrier of the brown dog tick that spreads RMSF.
Previously, California averaged just one RMSF case annually. The recent outbreak raises concerns about the increasing reach of the disease, which is more common in northern Mexico and U.S. border regions.
RMSF is notoriously difficult to diagnose. Early symptoms like fever, cough and abdominal pain can mimic other illnesses, delaying critical treatment. The CDC stresses the importance of starting doxycycline treatment immediately upon suspicion, as the disease can escalate rapidly.
Public health experts warn that tickborne diseases, including Lyme disease, continue to pose risks as environmental and travel factors shift. Officials are urging increased awareness, particularly for those visiting areas with higher tick activity.
The CDC’s report serves as a reminder of the importance of early detection, education and preventative measures to combat the spread of such diseases.
