Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever in Baja California: 23 Cases and 8 Deaths

By Outbreak News Today

Twenty-three cases of rickettsiosis, otherwise known as Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF), have been confirmed in Baja California.  Eight children and adolescents died as a result in 2021. Children are more at risk and especially those with a dog that can bring ticks into the home. RMSF is a tick-borne disease caused by a bacteria, Rickettsia rickettsii. 

Most often, people with RMSF have a sudden onset of high fever, severe headache, deep muscle pain, and chills. Within five days, they develop a rash on their hands and feet, that then spreads up their arms or legs. Death from RMSF is atypical with immediate treatment; however, fatalities occur in more than 20% of untreated cases.

Photo Source: Outbreak News Today

People with darker skin and those who don’t get a rash or have a delayed appearance of it, have an increased risk of death as it is less likely to detect. Many assume the infection is meningococcal meningitis, erlichiosis, or enteroviral infection.

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