Overview of Rocky Mountain Infectious Disease
Rocky Mountain infectious disease is a group of diseases caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. This bacterium is commonly found in the Rocky Mountains region of the United States, but can also be found in other parts of the country. The most common disease caused by Borrelia burgdorferi is Lyme disease. Symptoms of Lyme disease include fever, headache, fatigue, and a rash known as erythema migrans. Other diseases caused by Borrelia burgdorferi include babesiosis, anaplasmosis, and ehrlichiosis.
How Rocky Mountain Infectious Disease is Spread
Rocky Mountain infectious disease is spread through the bite of an infected tick. Ticks can become infected by feeding on an infected animal, such as a deer, mouse, or other small mammal. When a tick bites a person, it can transmit the bacterium into the person’s bloodstream. It is important to note that not all ticks carry the bacteria, and not all ticks that carry the bacteria will transmit the disease.
The Symptoms of Rocky Mountain Infectious Disease
The symptoms of Rocky Mountain infectious disease can vary, depending on the type of disease. Lyme disease is the most common type of Rocky Mountain infectious disease, and the symptoms can include fever, headache, fatigue, and a rash known as erythema migrans. Other symptoms of Lyme disease can include joint pain, muscle aches, and swollen lymph nodes. Babesiosis, anaplasmosis, and ehrlichiosis can also cause a variety of symptoms, such as fever, chills, headache, and muscle aches.
Treating Rocky Mountain Infectious Disease
The treatment of Rocky Mountain infectious disease depends on the type of disease. Most cases of Lyme disease can be successfully treated with antibiotics. Other forms of Rocky Mountain infectious disease, such as babesiosis, anaplasmosis, and ehrlichiosis, may require different types of antibiotics or other treatments. It is important to see a healthcare provider if you have any of the symptoms of Rocky Mountain infectious disease.
Preventing Rocky Mountain Infectious Disease
The best way to prevent Rocky Mountain infectious disease is to avoid contact with ticks. When you are outdoors, wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants, and use insect repellents containing DEET or permethrin. Also, check for ticks after being outdoors and remove any ticks that you find. If you find a tick attached to your skin, remove it with tweezers and save it in a sealed container for your healthcare provider to examine.
Vaccines for Rocky Mountain Infectious Disease
At this time, there is no vaccine to prevent Rocky Mountain infectious disease. However, research is ongoing to develop a vaccine to protect against the various types of diseases caused by Borrelia burgdorferi.
Conclusion
Rocky Mountain infectious disease is a group of diseases caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. The most common disease caused by Borrelia burgdorferi is Lyme disease. Other forms of Rocky Mountain infectious disease include babesiosis, anaplasmosis, and ehrlichiosis. Rocky Mountain infectious disease is spread through the bite of an infected tick. The best way to prevent Rocky Mountain infectious disease is to avoid contact with ticks. At this time, there is no vaccine to prevent Rocky Mountain infectious disease. It is important to see a healthcare provider if you have any of the symptoms of Rocky Mountain infectious disease.
