Health
What is Rocky Mountain spotted fever? Signs, symptoms and treatment for the tick-borne disease
Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) is an infectious disease caused by bacteria transmitted to humans via tick bites.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that “most people who get sick with RMSF will have a fever, headache, and rash. RMSF can be deadly if not treated early with the right antibiotic.”
Explore its causes, symptoms, treatment, diagnosis and prevention methods, for a better understanding of the tick-borne illness and how to protect against it.
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What causes Rocky Mountain spotted fever?
RMSF is primarily caused by the bacterium Rickettsia rickettsii, transmitted through the bite of an infected tick.
The American dog tick, Rocky Mountain wood tick and brown dog tick are common carriers.
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever is primarily caused by the bacterium Rickettsia rickettsii, transmitted when an infected tick bites a person. (Patrick Pleul/picture alliance via Getty Images)
What is the survival rate of those with Rocky Mountain spotted fever?
The overall survival rate for RMSF is high when the disease is diagnosed and treated promptly.
However, the National Library of Medicine warns that “delayed treatment may lead to mortality rates as high as 20% to 30%.”
The use of doxycycline, a commonly prescribed antibiotic, has been effective in treating RMSF.
Can you fully recover from Rocky Mountain spotted fever?
With timely treatment, individuals with RMSF can often fully recover.
Yet if it is not treated promptly or if there are delays in diagnosis, “the bacteria can cause damage to blood vessels throughout the body leading to organ and tissue damage,: the CDC states on their website.
In such cases, the prognosis for “RMSF can be fatal, even in previously healthy people. If not treated correctly, death can often occur within eight days of symptoms starting.”
How are you diagnosed with Rocky Mountain spotted fever?
The diagnosis of RMSF presents challenges due to its nonspecific early symptoms.
Nevertheless, an accurate assessment involves a clinical evaluation, blood tests and consideration of the patient’s exposure to tick-infested areas.
Early detection is key to preventing severe complications.
Is Rocky Mountain fever Lyme disease?
No, Rocky Mountain spotted fever is not Lyme disease. While both illnesses are tick-borne and share some similarities in terms of symptoms, they are caused by different bacteria.
“Lyme disease is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. It is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected blacklegged ticks,” according to the CDC.
Where is Rocky Mountain spotted fever most commonly found?
RMSF is most commonly found in the United States. Contrary to its name, it is not limited to the Rocky Mountain region. It has been reported throughout various states, including North Carolina, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Tennessee and Missouri.
It is essential to be aware of tick exposure and take preventive measures in areas where RMSF is prevalent.
What are the symptoms of Rocky Mountain spotted fever?
“Symptoms usually develop over a few days, starting with fever, headache, nausea, vomiting and muscle pains,” according to Cleveland Clinic. RMSF symptoms start two days to two weeks after a tick infects you with the disease, making it challenging to differentiate from other illnesses.
As the disease progresses, a distinctive spotted rash often appears, starting on the wrists and ankles and spreading to the rest of the body. “The rash develops within three days in about 50% of people,” Cleveland Clinic continues.
How do you prevent Rocky Mountain spotted fever?
Proactive steps to prevent RMSF involve minimizing exposure to ticks. Wearing long sleeves, using tick repellents, and conducting thorough tick checks after outdoor activities can significantly reduce the risk.
By understanding Rocky Mountain spotted fever’s causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and geographical distribution, individuals can take proactive steps to protect themselves and their communities from this potentially severe tick-borne illness.
Madeline Farber contributed reporting.
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Yoga is known to boost relaxation, strength and flexibility – and now a new study has found the practice could improve cancer survivors’ quality of life.
A randomized trial led by the University of Rochester Medical Center found that a four-week yoga program significantly reduced insomnia, fatigue, anxiety and mood disturbances after cancer treatment.
The findings were presented last week at the 2026 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting in Chicago.
CANCER SURVIVORS MAY SEE SURPRISING BENEFITS FROM ONE SPECIFIC EXERCISE, STUDY SAYS
The study was conducted across multiple U.S. community cancer care sites, including 410 adult cancer survivors averaging 54 years of age. Around 75% were breast cancer survivors, and none of them had practiced yoga regularly within the prior three months.
A randomized trial led by the University of Rochester Medical Center found that a four-week yoga program significantly reduced insomnia, fatigue, anxiety and mood disturbances in cancer survivors. (iStock)
The participants were randomly assigned to two groups. Half of them received only standard survivorship care without the yoga, while the other half received standard care and were also enrolled in the Yoga for Cancer Survivors (YOCAS) program.
As part of the YOCAS program, the survivors completed two instructor-led 75-minute yoga sessions each week, including 18 Gentle Hatha yoga and Restorative yoga poses, breathing exercises and mindfulness training.
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Based on questionnaires completed by the patients, the survivors in the yoga group experienced “moderate-to-large” reductions in overall mood disturbance, “small-to-medium” reductions in anxiety and “medium-to-large” reductions in fatigue, the study found.
The improvements in mood and fatigue appeared to be linked to yoga’s beneficial effect on sleep quality, according to the researchers.
As part of the YOCAS program, the survivors completed two instructor-led 75-minute yoga sessions each week, including 18 Gentle Hatha yoga and Restorative yoga poses, breathing exercises and mindfulness training. (iStock)
“This indicates that cancer survivors have an option to alleviate these cancer-related side effects at the same time, without adding another drug,” lead investigator Yuri Choi, PhD, of the Wilmot Cancer Institute, University of Rochester Medical Center, in Rochester, New York, told Fox News Digital.
The study did not reveal any major safety concerns or serious adverse events related to the yoga practice.
“This indicates that cancer survivors have an option to alleviate these cancer-related side effects at the same time, without adding another drug.”
The study did have some limitations, chiefly that the findings are preliminary and have not yet been peer-reviewed for a medical publication.
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“The sample in our clinical trial was relatively homogeneous, with most participants being women (96%), breast cancer patients (75%), Caucasian (93%), and having some college or higher education (82%),” noted Choi.
“We are adapting our intervention to reach all cancer patients and survivors, including the creation of a mobile app to reach people in rural communities.”
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The research also excluded patients with metastatic cancer (whose disease had spread to other parts of the body).
The total study was only four weeks, so more research is needed to determine long-term benefits.
If the findings are confirmed by peer-reviewed publications, this could lead to recommendations for structured yoga programs as a non-drug supportive therapy for cancer survivors, the researchers noted. (iStock)
If the findings are confirmed by peer-reviewed publications, this could lead to recommendations for structured yoga programs as a non-drug supportive therapy for cancer survivors, the researchers noted.
Some yoga studios may use different names for Gentle Hatha and Restorative yoga, such as Foundations Yoga or Healing Yoga, Choi noted.
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“Survivors should also look for certified yoga instructors who have experience working with cancer patients/survivors or individuals with other challenging health conditions,” the researcher advised. “They should not be afraid to ask their oncology team for referrals to qualified instructors in their community.”
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Choi also noted that the research did not reveal whether other types of yoga, such as heated-room or rigorous-flow yoga, are safe or beneficial for cancer survivors.
The study was funded by the National Cancer Institute.
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