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Mason McNair of LaGrange, Georgia, was bitten by a tick while staying with his grandparents. As a result, the boy developed a very rare disease – Rocky Mountain spotted fever. If left untreated, it can lead to hearing loss, paralysis, and even limb amputation. Thanks to his mother’s vigilance, the 5-year-old escaped death.
A 5-year-old visited his grandparents who noticed a tick in his navel. They removed it and disinfected the bite site. The next day his tummy turned red and he became swollen. The boy’s mother took him to the doctor who prescribed antibiotics and ordered him to observe the changes. According to the specialist, it was bacterial dermatitis.
Unfortunately, the boy did not respond well to treatment. He had a fever, diarrhea, stomach ache, and a rash covered his whole body. The doctor stressed that it was a “delayed reaction” to antibiotics, but the 5-year-old’s mother was not convinced of the diagnosis and took him for another medical consultation. An examination of the symptoms led to the discovery that the boy developed a condition known as Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, which could lead to hearing loss, paralysis, and even amputation if left untreated.
Now the woman is warning other parents to be more vigilant.
– I felt paralyzed by fear. At the thought of what could happen to my child without treatment, I feel fear, said the boy’s mother, Danielle. And he cautions parents: – Trust your instincts!
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
Rocky Mountain spotted fever is a tick disease that occurs primarily in the United States. It is rarely found in Poland. The pathogenic microorganism responsible for the disease is Rickettsia ricketsii, which is transmitted by wood, canine and other ticks. The incubation period is from a few days to two weeks.
How does Rocky Mountain spotted fever come about?
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever is transmitted by Dermacentor ticks. A tick bite, and thus infection, occurs throughout the year, although the season of illness falls in the spring-summer period (the highest peak in June and July). However, the occurrence differs in individual regions of the country, due to the prevailing climate and strain vectors. For example, in Arizona, the highest incidence is recorded between April and October. People who often come into contact with dogs or live near wooded areas or areas with tall grass are also at risk of contracting the disease.
Symptoms of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
Rocky Mountain spotted fever is characterized by a sudden onset of fever, headaches and muscle aches. Between days 3 and 5, most people develop a skin rash as pale red spots, accompanied by a haemorrhagic reaction. The rash begins around the wrists and ankles and spreads to the trunk and limbs within a few hours. The rash is non-itchy and occurs in 90 percent of people. sick. In addition, people who are infected have abdominal pain which may be similar to that of an appendix, lack of appetite, nausea and vomiting.
Based on: dailymail.co.uk / Zdrowie.radiozet.pl