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Rocky Mtn Spotted Fever is here

Posted: Wed Aug 16, 2017 1:35 pm
by dave
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.

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Re: Rocky Mtn Spotted Fever is here

Posted: Fri Aug 25, 2017 3:40 pm
by dave
Here are two pictures.
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The first picture is a couple days after removing the tick

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This picture is 5 days after removing the tick

It should be noted that most people with RMSF have large spots. But, in about 10% of the cases they will get "speculated" rash. Had she waited another day, the rash would have been all over her body. 30% of the people die if they do not get tetracycline antibiotics. She recovered just fine.