Rickettsial and Chlamydial Zoonoses
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
It is a tick-borne rickettsial disease caused by Rickettsia rickettsii. It is also known as the blue disease. The ticks responsible for the transmission of this disease belong to the genus Dermacentor, Rhipicephalus, and Amblyomma. The epidemiology of this disease depends on the geographical distribution and seasonal activities of the tick vectors. Humans are usually accidental hosts. This disease is not prevalent in India.
It is a tick-borne illness spread by the bite of ticks like Dermacentor variabilis, Rhipicephalus sanguineus, etc. Rickettsia rickettsii lives parasitically in ticks and multiplies only in living cells. It can then be transmitted from the ticks to humans from animal bodies, forests, soil, etc.
In humans-
- Fever
- Headache
- Nausea
- Rashes (Red splotches and pinpoint dots) * Stomach ache
- Decreased appetite
In animals-
- Depression
- Lethargy
- Anorexia
- Blood in the urine
- Discoloured spots on the skin
- Difficulty in blood clotting
- Pain in the eyes
- Swollen lymph nodes
It is difficult to diagnose this disease. History of pet’s health and recent activities as a part of history is necessary. Diagnosis is based on blood tests and skin biopsies.
There is no vaccine available to prevent this disease as of now. Tick control is extremely necessary for pets. One should be careful while camping or gardening and avoid tick bites. Clothing and gear that contain 0.5% permethrin can help you avoid ticks. A shower is necessary after coming indoors from outdoor activities. Clothing, gear, and pets should be checked for ticks after outdoor activity.