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Colorado tick fever is, like fever, a relapsed tick-borne disease that occurs mainly in the United States. The disease is caused by Colitvirus and is transmitted by a wood tick. What is its incubation period? What symptoms accompany Colorado tick fever? We check the most important information.
Characteristics of Colorado tick fever
Colorado Tick Fever is a viral tick-borne disease. Coltivirus (belonging to the group of reoviruses) is transmitted by the bite of an infected tick of the species Dermacentor andersoni (Rocky Mountain wood tick). The virus cannot be transmitted from person to person with exceptions such as blood transfusion. These ticks are found mainly in the western United States and Canada.
- Find out more: Tick-borne diseases
All ticks feed on blood, and the greatest number of them is observed in areas higher above sea level. Colorado tick fever most commonly occurs in the state of Colorado. The highest incidence is recorded from February to October, although symptomatic patients most often report to a doctor between April and July.
Colorado tick fever is also sometimes referred to as mountain tick fever or American mountain tick fever.
Colorado tick fever – symptoms
The symptoms of Colorado tick fever appear about 3-6 days after a tick bite. Then the following is observed in patients:
- high temperature (even 40 degrees Celsius),
- muscle and joint pain,
- chills,
- nausea,
- vomiting,
- eye pain
- photophobia,
- skin pain,
- Headache,
- sore throat,
- lack of appetite
- general weakness and fatigue,
- periodic rash.
The fever usually lasts for 3 days, then goes away for a few days and returns for another 48 hours (it is two-phase). Symptoms disappear completely after about 10 days. Symptoms occurring in the course of the disease are similar to those observed in other infectious diseases.
If serious symptoms appear, you should immediately see a doctor, especially if they do not diminish within 7 days.
Occasionally, Colorado tick fever may become more severe, involving the central nervous system, with symptoms including neck stiffness. Infection with the disease rarely leads to the death of the patient.
Colorado tick fever can lead to serious complications in the form of:
- encephalitis,
- hemorrhagic fever,
- meningitis.
Colorado tick fever – diagnosis and treatment
The diagnosis of the disease is based primarily on the physical examination of the patient and the results of laboratory tests. Most often it is performed:
1. blood count – it is a screening test that determines the number of red and white blood cells and platelets;
2. antibody immunofluorescence test – allows to determine whether there are antibodies or antigens in the blood;
3.creatine kinase – allowing to determine the concentration of the enzyme in the blood,
4. liver function test – performed to assess liver function (Colorado tick fever can damage the liver);
5. polymerase chain reaction – this is a specialized test that allows you to determine whether there is a virus in the body through DNA analysis;
6. complement fixation test – detects and determines antibodies and antigen.
In treating Colorado tick fever, the first step should be to remove the tick. The therapy itself is symptomatic as no causal treatment exists. Painkillers and antipyretics are used to relieve symptoms. In most people, home remedies are sufficient. Complications occurring in the patient are an indication for hospitalization.
Most patients recover fully without any side effects. A history of Colorado tick fever develops immunity to recurrence.
Colorado tick fever – prevention
The risk of disease can be minimized primarily by avoiding tick sites. If you are going for a walk in the area where they occur, remember to wear appropriate clothing (long sleeves, legs tucked into pants).
Ticks are easier to spot on light-colored clothing.
It is also effective to use insecticides containing DEET in their composition. In addition, remember to carefully inspect your skin, but also the skin of children and animals who are outdoors and in the areas of ticks. If a tick gets stuck in the skin – remove it immediately.
Colorado tick fever – how to remove a tick?
First of all, ticks should not be removed with petroleum jelly or ointments, as this may cause the tick to release the disease-causing pathogen. To remove a tick, use a pair of tweezers with a sharp point. Before proceeding with removal, it is recommended to wear rubber gloves or wrap your fingers with a tissue / toilet paper. Then grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible and pull it out steadily.
- Also check: How to get rid of a tick?
It is contraindicated to twist or tear the insect, as this may lead to its tearing and leaving its residues in the skin. Finally, the tick-bitten area should be thoroughly washed with soap and water. You can put the removed arachnid in a plastic bag, then write the date on it and put it in the freezer. In the event of illness, a tick may prove useful in establishing a diagnosis.
Find out more about Lyme disease:
- Lyme disease – questions to which it is good to know the answer
- Mosquito and tick repellants can endanger your health
- You can protect yourself from ticks, but you should think about vaccination