Quebec has confirmed its inaugural case of Rocky Mountain spotted fever, a potentially fatal tick-borne disease. The illness has also surfaced in dogs in Ontario. Understanding how to prevent, recognize, and manage the disease is crucial.
Rocky Mountain spotted fever is a bacterial infection caused by Rickettsia rickettsii. Symptoms in humans may include fever, headache, nausea, stomach pain, muscle aches, and reduced appetite. The disease is characterized by a distinctive rash that appears a few days after the onset of fever, varying from small dots to larger red patches.
Treatment for Rocky Mountain spotted fever typically involves the antibiotic doxycycline, with most individuals recovering fully. However, in the U.S., the disease proves fatal in 5-10% of cases even with treatment. Without treatment, the mortality rate increases to one in four individuals.
Dogs can also contract Rocky Mountain spotted fever, exhibiting symptoms like fever, lethargy, swollen lymph nodes, loss of appetite, and muscle discomfort. In severe cases, the disease can be fatal for dogs, as evidenced by the demise of one infected dog in Ontario.
The disease is exclusively transmitted through tick bites, particularly by the American dog tick (Dermacentor variabilis) found in various regions across Canada. While historically not a concern due to its lack of association with Lyme disease, recent findings suggest a more significant risk posed by American dog ticks.
Apart from dogs, the disease can affect a range of large mammals, including humans. The spread of Rocky Mountain spotted fever to new areas is attributed to changing climate patterns, favoring tick expansion. Ticks can also transfer between animals and humans, highlighting the importance of preventive measures.
In the U.S., around 6,000 cases of Rocky Mountain spotted fever are reported annually, with states like North Carolina, Tennessee, Missouri, Arkansas, and Oklahoma being hotspots. In Canada, the disease was previously rare, primarily documented in British Columbia. However, sporadic cases have emerged across the country, indicating a potential shift in disease distribution.
Recent cases in Quebec and Ontario underscore the presence of Rocky Mountain spotted fever in Canada. Health experts stress the need for vigilance and proactive measures to minimize exposure to ticks. Early detection and treatment are crucial, particularly in regions where the disease is emerging. While tick-borne diseases remain relatively uncommon in Canada, rising temperatures and changing environmental conditions may lead to increased risks in the future.