Quebec has confirmed a case of Rocky Mountain spotted fever, a potentially fatal tick-borne disease that was likely contracted in either Ontario or Quebec. This disease had previously been detected in dogs in Ontario earlier this year.
Rocky Mountain spotted fever is caused by the bacterium Rickettsia rickettsii and was first identified in the Rocky Mountain valleys of Idaho and Montana in the 1890s. Symptoms in humans may include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, muscle aches, and loss of appetite. The disease is characterized by a red rash that typically appears two to four days after the onset of fever, ranging from small dots to larger red patches. Treatment usually involves the antibiotic doxycycline, with most patients experiencing a full recovery. However, in the U.S., the disease can be fatal in 5 to 10 percent of cases even with treatment, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
Dogs can also be affected by Rocky Mountain spotted fever, showing symptoms like fever, fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, reduced appetite, and muscle pain. The disease can be deadly for dogs as well, with reports of fatalities in cases identified in Ontario.
The disease is not transmissible from person to person but is acquired through tick bites, primarily from the American dog tick found across regions from eastern Alberta to Nova Scotia. These ticks are commonly found in grassy and wooded areas, similarly to black-legged ticks that carry Lyme disease.
In the U.S., around 6,000 cases of Rocky Mountain spotted fever are reported annually, with higher prevalence in states like North Carolina, Tennessee, Missouri, Arkansas, and Oklahoma. In Canada, the disease has been rare, with isolated cases reported in various regions, including a recent case in Quebec’s Eastern Townships.
To prevent tick bites, individuals are advised to avoid tick-prone areas, wear protective clothing, use insect repellent, check for ticks after outdoor activities, and promptly remove any ticks found. Pet owners are encouraged to use tick preventive measures for their animals to reduce the risk of exposure. Health professionals should remain vigilant for tick-borne diseases beyond Lyme disease, such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever, especially in areas where ticks are prevalent.
As the incidence of tick-borne diseases increases due to changing climate conditions, early detection and treatment are crucial. It is essential for individuals and pet owners to seek medical attention if symptoms occur after potential exposure to ticks. While these diseases are still uncommon in Canada, awareness and preventive measures are key to reducing risks associated with tick-borne illnesses.
