Rocky mountain spotted fever in the United States, 1997-2002.
The increased incidence of Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) in 1997-2002 compared with previous years may be related to enhanced awareness and reporting of RMSF as well as changes in human-vector interaction. However, reports on RMSF mortality underscore the need for physician vigilance in considering a diagnosis of RMSF for febrile individuals potentially exposed to ticks and stress the importance of treating such persons regardless of the presence of a rash.
Chapman
Alice S
AS
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA 30033, USA. achapman@cdc.gov
Murphy
Staci M
SM
Demma
Linda J
LJ
Holman
Robert C
RC
Curns
Aaron T
AT
McQuiston
Jennifer H
JH
Krebs
John W
JW
Swerdlow
David L
DL
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008875:Middle Aged; D012373:Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever / Q000453:epidemiology*; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology