Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever & Meningitis

Rocky Mountain spotted fever infection occurs after bacteria from a tick bite enters a person's system. Wood ticks and dog ticks have been known to carry the bacteria that causes the disease.

Symptoms

• According to the CDC, fever, headache, malaise, muscle aches, vomiting, nausea and loss of appetite comprise the symptoms of Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Patients typically develop a rash two to four days after the fever sets in.

Treatment

• Tetracycline or other antibiotics may be initiated as soon as Rocky Mountain spotted fever is suspected. Treatment generally lasts five to ten days depending on the severity of infection.

Meningitis and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever

• Bacterial meningitis may occur as a complication of Rocky Mountain spotted fever, particularly in children. The two may also be confused for one another due to the similarity of their symptoms.

Meningitis Symptoms

• Information from the CDC states,"The symptoms of bacterial meningitis can appear quickly or over several days. They typically develop within three to seven days after exposure." Symptoms include fever, headache, neck stiffness, nausea, vomiting, photophobia (sensitivity to light) and altered mental status.

Meningitis Treatment

• Early treatment is essential to prevent lasting complications. Ceftriaxone and vancomycin may be initiated as soon as bacterial meningitis is suspected. Even with treatment, the mortality rate of bacterial meningitis is fairly high.