What is Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever?

An infectious disease caused by a rickettsia — a minute organism. It occurs mostly in the southern and western states of America and is transmitted to human beings by tick bites. After an incubation period of three to 12 days severe headache and fever develop. There may also be muscle, joint and abdominal pains and the patient may be extremely ill. A rash of pink, flat spots may develop, appearing first on the wrists and ankles. Treatment is by antibiotics, and should be given early in the course of the disease, which is sometimes fatal.