Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever

I have been So Very Ill.

4 weeks ago I started feeling ill. After a week, I went to the doctor, who prescribed an antibiotic. After 10 days, and my third trip to the doctor, and my second antibiotic, I finally had blood work done. 4 days after that I was diagnosed with Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.

I was finally prescribed doxycycline. Today is my last dose, and I still feel Very Bad. have never been ill like this before. YOU and YOUR FAMILY – be CAREFUL when you are outside.

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF)
Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) is a tickborne disease caused by the bacterium Rickettsia rickettsii. This organism is a cause of potentially fatal human illness in North and South America, and is transmitted to humans by the bite of infected tick species. In the United States, these include the American dog tick (Dermacentor variabilis), Rocky Mountain wood tick (Dermacentor andersoni), and brown dog tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus). Typical symptoms include: fever, headache, abdominal pain, vomiting, and muscle pain. A rash may also develop, but is often absent in the first few days, and in some patients, never develops. Rocky Mountain spotted fever can be a severe or even fatal illness if not treated in the first few days of symptoms. Doxycycline is the first line treatment for adults and children of all ages, and is most effective if started before the fifth day of symptoms. The initial diagnosis is made based on clinical signs and symptoms, and medical history, and can later be confirmed by using specialized laboratory tests. RMSF and other tickborne diseases can be prevented.
[link to www.cdc.gov]