Quebec recently confirmed a case of Rocky Mountain spotted fever, a potentially fatal tick-borne illness likely contracted in Ontario or Quebec. Dogs in Ontario were also affected earlier this year.
Rocky Mountain spotted fever is caused by the bacterium Rickettsia rickettsii, first identified in Idaho and Montana’s Rocky Mountain valleys in the 1890s. Symptoms in humans may include fever, headache, nausea, stomach pain, muscle pain, and reduced appetite. The disease is characterized by a red rash that appears a few days after the onset of fever, ranging from small dots to larger splotches.
Treatment with doxycycline, a common antibiotic, is effective, and most individuals recover fully. However, in the U.S., the disease can be fatal in 5-10% of cases even with treatment, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Without treatment, one in four individuals succumb to the disease.
Dogs can also contract Rocky Mountain spotted fever, showing symptoms such as fever, malaise, enlarged lymph nodes, loss of appetite, muscle aches, and sometimes a rash in the mouth. The disease can be fatal in dogs, with reported cases of mortality.
Transmission of the disease occurs exclusively through tick bites, particularly from the American dog tick, prevalent from eastern Alberta to Nova Scotia. Dr. Scott Weese emphasizes that American dog ticks target various large mammals, including humans, contrary to their name’s implication.
Unlike Lyme disease carried by blacklegged ticks, American dog ticks are now considered a concern due to their potential to transmit diseases. Tick-borne diseases, including Rocky Mountain spotted fever, have been on the rise, with changing climate patterns expanding tick habitats.
Rocky Mountain spotted fever cases in Canada were previously uncommon but have been observed in various regions, with instances linked to travel and tick exposure. Climate change has facilitated the spread of tick-borne diseases, necessitating heightened awareness and preventive measures.
To safeguard against tick bites, individuals should take precautions such as staying on trails, wearing appropriate clothing, using insect repellent, and checking for ticks after outdoor activities. Pet owners should also protect their animals with preventive medications to reduce the risk of exposure. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial in suspected cases of tick-borne illnesses.
Healthcare professionals are advised to be vigilant for tick-transmitted diseases, beyond Lyme, to ensure timely treatment. While tick-borne diseases remain rare in Canada, vigilance and preventive actions are essential in mitigating risks associated with these illnesses.