COLORADO TICK FEVER
Colorado tick fever is a viral infection that is transmitted through a bite from an infected Rocky Mountain wood tick (Dermacentor andersoni).
- Ticks are small brown parasites that are most commonly found outdoors, in wooded areas and fields.
- In order to survive, ticks need to feed on blood from animals and humans.
- Unfortunately, they carry certain diseases that can be transferred to people they bite.
- One of such disease is the Colorado tick fever.
- Colorado tick fever occurs primarily in the Canadian region and the western United States.
- More than 90% of all Colorado tick fever cases in the United States are reported from Colorado, Utah, and Montana.
- The condition is highest between February and October, with most cases being reported in April and July.
CAUSES
Colorado tick fever is caused by the Colorado tick fever virus. This virus is transmitted through the bite of an infected tick, the main carrier being the Rocky Mountain wood tick which is prevalent in the western United States. The tick usually lives in wooded areas about 4,000-10,000 feet above sea level.
Risk factors may include:
- Living or traveling in Rocky Mountain forest including Colorado, Utah, Oregon, Montana, Idaho, Wyoming.
SYMPTOMS
- Chills
- Fever up to 105 F
- Skin tenderness
- A severe headache
- Skin tenderness
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Faint rash
- Weakness and fatigue
- Nausea
- Loss of appetite
- Muscle aches
- Light sensitivity.
In rare cases, especially in children, patients experience illnesses of the central nervous system such as aseptic meningitis and/or encephalitis, and even death.
DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT
To make a diagnosis, the doctor will perform a physical examination and perform various laboratory tests. These tests may include:
Complete fixation antibody test to determine whether antibodies to the Colorado tick fever virus are present in the blood. If these antibodies are found, then a Colorado tick fever diagnosis is made.
Complete blood count to help the doctor determine the exact cause of symptoms.
Liver function tests to evaluate how well the liver is working by measuring levels of proteins, bilirubin in the blood, and liver enzymes. This is done because the condition can affect the liver, so impaired liver function may be suggestive of the disease.
TREATMENT
No specific treatment exists for the condition. Treatment option may be supportive and may include:
- Acetaminophen to treat fever and muscle aches
- Getting enough rest
- Staying hydrated
HOW CAN TICKS BE REMOVED
To stop the tick from releasing the pathogen that causes the condition, you should never attempt to remove the tick using petroleum jelly, alcohol, or using lit matches.
The safest way to remove the tick from the body is to use tweezers. However, if tweezers are not available, a tick can be removed by hand.
Removing the tick as soon as possible is important. The longer the tick stays attached, the more likely it is to pass on the virus.
Once the tick is removed, the affected area should be washed with soap and water.
If a tick has buried itself deep in the skin or you experience difficulty removing them yourself, seek medical attention.