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Re: [at-l] Rocky Mt Spotted Fever

>Does anyone have information on a preventative serum or vaccination
>against Rocky Mt. Spotted fever?

This is from the CDC.

Wildbill

CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION
Date Last Rev'd: March 9, 1995

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Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever

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Rocky Mountain spotted fever affects about 800 people in the United 
States each year. The disease usually occurs in the eastern US from New 
York to Florida, and from Alabama to Texas in the south. It is most 
commonly seen from April through September but can occur anytime during 
the year when there is warm weather. 
Rocky Mountain spotted fever is spread to people by the bites of some 
ticks. Signs of the disease usually begin 3 to 12 days after a tick 
bite. The most common symptoms are fever, headache, rash, and nausea or 
vomiting. If the disease is not treated, it can cause death. 

Although there is no vaccine for Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, it can be 
prevented. The best way to avoid getting the disease is to avoid areas 
such as the woods or fields where ticks are found. If this is not 
possible, the following precautions are suggestions: 
1.Whenever going into the woods, or if you live or work near woods, you 
should use tick repellents and wear proper clothing such as long sleeved 
shirts and pants that fit tightly around your wrists, waist, and ankles; 
2.When you are in the woods, check yourself and your companions at least 
twice a day for ticks which may have gotten onto you. If you do find a 
tick on yourself, remove it immediately with tweezers. Gently grasp the 
tick as close as possible to your skin and slowly pull it away. If 
tweezers are not available, fingers covered with tissue paper can be 
used. Do not attempt to remove the tick with vaseline, hot objects such 
as matches or cigarettes, or by other methods. After handling ticks, be 
sure to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. 
If you get a fever, headaches, rash, or nausea within two weeks of a 
possible tick bite or exposure you should see your doctor immediately. 


 <A HREF="http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/diseases.htm">NCID Diseases,
Selected Prevention and Progra...</A> 
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