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Viral Disease: Colorado Tick Fever

Colorado Tick Fever, is caused in humans, by a tick bite. It is passed onto a host through an infected blood-sucking tick. Also known as Mountain Fever, Colorado tick fever is a viral infection transmitted by the bite of the wood tick, (Dermacentor andersoni). The disease occurs almost exclusively in the western United States and Canada.

Signs of this viral disease usually doesn't show up for 4-5 days, and can stay undetected for up to 20 days. Symptoms include high fever, a rash around the infected area, headaches, and muscle pain. After the symptoms subside, there is usually a second phase, where fever increases, and the condition can become worse. Colorado tick fever is usually much worse in children, and complications with this disease have included meningitis, and hemorrhagic fever, but these are rare.

Mountain Wood Tick

Clolorado Tick Fever Rash

The ticks, that cause this disease, is found in forests, and usually attatches itself to tall grass, which is why 78% of cases of CTF were reported to be hikers or campers. The infected ticks are mainly active during the hot summer months. There is no specific treatment for Colorado Tick Fever, but ticks should be removed as soon as possible, as well as a trip to the doctor's office. There are some medicines that can be used to reduce fever and pain.

To avoid infection fron Colorado Tick Fever, or any tick bites, it is reccomended to: - Avoid tick infested areas, especially during the warmer months. - Wear light colored clothing so ticks can be easily seen. - Wear a long sleeved shirt, long pants, and tuck pants into socks. - Walk in the center of trails to avoid overhanging grass and brush. - Check your body every few hours for ticks when you spend a lot of time outdoors in tick infested areas.