United States: A tickborne disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, has initiated grabbing the United States and has taken the lives of three (3) out of five infected people since July. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a warning on Friday and underlined that there is the possibility of an outbreak in the US.

The official data has revealed that all five cases have been identified in South California. The majority of cases had a travel history of going to Tecate, Baja California, in the past two weeks. Furthermore, the agency mentioned that the four (4) cases were above 18 years of age, whereas three (3) were from the United States.

All five patients were seeking medical attention in hospital, where three lost their lives to the virus.

How can Americans take care of themselves amid the infection?

In the midst of the increasing cases, the CDC has asked the general public to carefully monitor the symptoms of Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and if they have any, then they must start treatment with the antibiotic doxycycline right away. The same concern was shared for the individuals who have recently traveled to northern Mexico.

It furthermore highlighted that tests must be taken even if there are slight chances of infections; however, treatment must commence despite waiting for the results of the tests.

The statement by the agency read, “RMSF is a severe, rapidly progressive, and often deadly disease transmitted by the bite of infected ticks, although many patients do not recall being bitten by a tick,” according to CNN Health.

From where does the disease start?

According to health experts, the disease is transmitted by brown dog ticks and is largely found in northern Mexico in huge numbers, hence becoming endemic. The cases related to the Rocky Mountain spotted fever are also found in the southwestern parts of the United States.

It is to be noted that the disease cannot be transmitted from an infected person to person.

What are the signs and symptoms that must raise concerns among the general public?

According to health experts, an infected individual can show signs and symptoms in just the first few days; however, they are mild. The initial signs can be a low fever, headache, stomach issues, abdominal pain, swelling around the eyes and back of the hands, as well as, rashes.

If not cured or treated for four to five days, the infection could become dangerous and lead to developing changes in mental state, brain swelling, coma, multiorgan damage, and respiratory problems.

The data reveals that the majority of deaths have been reported after eight (8) days of the onset of illness; however, it is fatal in just five to ten percent (5% to 10%) of the cases.

CDC’s warning to US citizens

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has strictly underlined that if a resident has traveled to Mexico in the past two weeks and also develops symptoms associated with the Rocky Mountain spotted fever, then medical attention should be the top priority.

It further mentioned that protection can be attained by guarding the pet dogs from tick bites and using insect repellent.

Along with this, people must opt for protective clothing when going outside and should keep checking for ticks after spending time outdoors, especially around dogs. It added that the ticks must be removed immediately, if found.