Colorado tick fever

Ticks

Tick imbedded in the skin

Antibodies

Colorado tick fever

Definition:

Colorado tick fever is an acute viral infection transmitted by the bite of the tickDermacentor andersoni.

Alternative Names:

Mountain tick fever; Mountain fever; American mountain fever

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

This disease is limited to the western US and is most prevalent from March to September, with the highest numbers of infections occurring in May and June.

Symptoms start about 3 to 6 days after the tick bite. Symptoms of fever continue for 3 days, stop, then recur 1 to 3 days later for another few days.

Risk factors are recent outdoor activity and recent tick bite. The incidence is high in Colorado, where up to 15% of regular campers show past exposure (based on antibodies). It is much less common in the rest of the US.

Symptoms:

Signs and tests:

blood tests that confirm infection (usually several weeks later)
- complement fixation to Colorado tick virus
- immunofluorescence positive for Colorado tick fever
CBC shows low white blood cell count
mild increase in liver function tests
mild increase in creatine phosphokinase

Treatment:

Make sure the tick is fully removed from the skin. Take a pain reliever if necessary (do not give aspirin to children; it is associated with Reye's syndrome in some viral illnesses). If complications develop, treatment will be aimed at controlling the symptoms.

Expectations (prognosis):

The disease is usually self-limiting and not dangerous.

Complications:

There is a risk for aseptic meningitis, encephalitis, and hemorrhagic fever, but these complications are extremely rare.

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if you are unable to fully remove a tick embedded in the skin, if you or your child develop symptoms suggestive of this disease, if symptoms worsen or do not improve with treatment, or if new symptoms develop.

Prevention:

When walking or hiking in tick-infested areas, tuck long pants into socks to protect the legs, and wear shoes and long-sleeved shirts. Ticks will show up on white or light colors better than dark colors, making them easier to remove from your clothing. Check yourself and your pets frequently. If you find ticks, remove them immediately by using a tweezers, pulling carefully and steadily. Insect repellent may be helpful.

Review Date: 8/5/2002
Reviewed By: Sonya Shin, M.D., Infectious Diseases Division, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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