North Carolina Leads the Nation In Reports of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever

August 20, 2007

Not a number one ranking we really want but like it or not we got it. Last year across the state there were 862 reported cases and health officials feel we are on target to hit or exceed that number again this year. Although Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever was first discovered in the west thus the name today the lion share of the cases are found in the mid Atlantic South Eastern states. Avoiding Tick Bites is the best prevention; by wearing light colored clothing (so you can easily see them) using insect repellent and tucking pant legs inside your socks. Check your children closely after they’ve been outside as well as be aware of your pets and the possibility they could carry ticks into your home. Here is a link to the CDC page on Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever that will give you all the information you need on this dreaded disease.