Rocky Mountain spotted fever is an infectious and serious disease that can be confused with other less aggressive diseases. Symptoms cause malaise, body aches and red spots, and should be treated early to avoid serious consequences.
Recently, Brazil recorded three deaths from Rocky Mountain spotted fever in the city of Campinas, in the interior of São Paulo. Another death is being investigated with the same suspicions of the disease.
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The bacteria that causes the disease is present in urban and rural areas. Therefore, it is necessary to pay attention to the places of circulation and learn how to react in case of contact with the star tick.
Rocky Mountain spotted fever is caused by the bacteria Rickettsia rickettsii and is transmitted by the star tick. For the disease to generate infection, the tick must remain on the skin for at least four hours. Therefore, it is necessary to learn how to correctly remove the tick and adopt preventive measures.
To inform the population, the physician and infectologist Luana Araújo guided what should be the procedure to remove the star tick and reduce the risk of this serious disease.
Check here the step by step to remove the tick and the main symptoms of Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
Step by step: Correct removal of Rocky Mountain spotted fever tick
If you have to face a situation of contact with the tick, follow these steps:
- Inspect the body and check for the presence of the tick
- Do not press the tick
- Use tweezers to remove the parasite
- With the tweezers, gently twist the tick with gentle movements
- Clean the area that had contact with the star tick
- Observe the appearance of possible symptoms
- Seek medical attention and report contact with the star tick
Because you have some symptoms similar to other diseases, it is important to seek help and perform tests to receive the correct diagnosis. The main symptoms appear between 2 and 14 days after contact.
Prevention and additional care to avoid the star tick
Dr. Luana Araújo also advises that our main action should be to avoid contact with the tick. In addition, some symptoms should be observed, such as:
- High fever
- Body ache
- Headache
- Nausea
- constant malaise
- Red spots on the body
Another tip is to always inspect the body after circulation in rural areas or other environments known for the presence of the star tick.
Finally, the important thing is to avoid areas that may have the presence of the star tick. In case of contact, perform delicate removal and observe the symptoms. Do not take medication on your own and seek medical guidance to receive the diagnosis.