Rocky Mountain spotted fever is an infection with fever and rash. It is usually transmitted from a bite of an infected tick.

What is going on in the body?

Rocky Mountain spotted fever occurs mainly in the southeast and south central part of the US. It is found most often in Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas. It is more common in the spring and summer. The organism that causes the fever, Rickettsia rickettsii, is transmitted to humans through the bite of a tick. The species of tick involved may vary, depending on the location.

What are the causes and risks of the infection?

Rickettsia rickettsii is the organism that causes Rocky Mountain spotted fever.

When an infected tick bites or burrows into a person's skin, the infection can be spread. The organism is also found in squirrels, chipmunks, and rodents. The tick may be seen in any area, urban or rural, with heavy brush. This infection may also be spread by blood transfusion from an infected person.