Three people have died of Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF), a rare and severe tickborne disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The deaths were among six cases identified in California from mid-2023 to early 2024, highlighting an unusual rise in infections.
The patients, aged 17 months to 65 years, all had ties to Tecate, Mexico, where they either lived or traveled days before becoming ill. Contact with dogs, a known host for the brown dog tick that transmits RMSF, was a common factor in all cases.
Historically, California has reported minimal RMSF cases, averaging one annually between 2011 and 2019. The six recent infections over six months mark a sharp increase.
Early symptoms, such as fever and abdominal pain, resemble other illnesses, complicating diagnosis. With no rapid test available, doctors must rely on clinical suspicion to begin treatment. The CDC underscores the urgency of starting doxycycline treatment immediately, as the disease can progress quickly to life-threatening stages.
RMSF and other tickborne diseases, including Lyme disease, continue to present challenges for public health officials. The CDC is encouraging vigilance for those traveling to affected regions and those exposed to ticks or free-roaming dogs.
This outbreak underscores the need for awareness and early treatment to prevent fatalities from tickborne illnesses, particularly in border regions.
