Rocky Mtn Spotted Fever is here
Posted: Wed Aug 16, 2017 1:35 pm
At the beginning of August a female hiker picked up an American Dog Tick while hiking the Fun Loops at the beginning of the Escarpment Trail by Rt 23 in Windham. It was not discovered until 5 days later. At that time it was removed with the "Twirling Method" and preserved for Tick Testing at UMASS. Five days later a large speculated rash developed about 5 inch in diameter. She was put on antibiotics.
It should be noted that this region of the Catskills, as well as, Round Top has a large population of American Dog Ticks. About 1% of this type of tick carry the Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever ("RMSF"). Prior to this, RMSF had not been found in the Catskill Mountains, but had been found in the Hudson Valley. RMSF results in death in about 30% of the cases.
It should be noted that this region of the Catskills, as well as, Round Top has a large population of American Dog Ticks. About 1% of this type of tick carry the Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever ("RMSF"). Prior to this, RMSF had not been found in the Catskill Mountains, but had been found in the Hudson Valley. RMSF results in death in about 30% of the cases.