infections
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF)
Treatment of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
Antibiotics Doctors immediately prescribe antibiotics if they suspect Rocky Mountain fever based on symptoms and the potential for exposure to infected ticks—even if laboratory test results are not yet available. Early treatment with antibiotics has reduced the death rate. Doxycycline(a type of antibiotic called atetracycline) is usually used. It is given by mouth when the infection is mild and intravenously when it is more severe. People take the antibiotic until they improve and have had no fever for 24 to 48 hours, but they must take it for at least 7 days. Although some tetracyclines taken for longer than 10 days can cause tooth staining in children younger than 8 years old, short courses (5 to 10 days) ofdoxycyclinein children of all ages is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics and other experts and can be used without causing tooth staining or weakening of tooth enamel (see alsoCenters for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Research on doxycycline and tooth staining). A doctor usually does not prescribe antibiotics for people who have had a tick bite but have no symptoms. Instead, the doctor may ask them to immediately report any symptoms. Pregnant women should review with their doctor the potential risks versus benefits of takingdoxycyclinefor Rocky Mountain spotted fever. 