CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WAND) — The Champaign-Urbana Public Health District (CUPHD) has confirmed a recent case of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF) in an individual in Champaign County.
The tickborne illness is transmitted primarily by the American dog tick in Illinois and is caused by the bacterium Rickettsia rickettsii.
CUPHD says the disease can be fatal if not treated promptly, even among healthy individuals. The symptom onset is one to four days and includes high fever, severe headache, muscle soreness, gastrointestinal distress, and swelling around the eyes and back of hands. Additionally, a distinct rash may emerge several days after onset, typically appearing as small, flat, pink spots initially located on the wrists, forearms, and ankles, which can extend to the trunk and occasionally manifest on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.
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It is important to note that some individuals may not present with the rash at all, or the rash may have an atypical appearance. RMSF is not transmitted person-to-person.
Taking part in outdoor activities such as dog-walking, gardening, or hunting can potentially expose you to ticks. It is common for individuals to encounter ticks in their own yard or local neighborhood.
Protect yourself from tick bites by following these tips
Talk to a veterinarian about tickborne diseases and prevention products for pets and livestock. Check pets for ticks after coming indoors.
Use an Environmental Protection Agency-registered insect repellent containing DEET (20-30 percent), picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE), para-menthane-diol (PMD), or 2-undecanone, making sure to follow product instructions.
Apply products containing 0.5 percent permethrin to clothing and equipment. Permethrin can effectively treat boots, clothing, and camping gear, maintaining its protective properties through multiple wash cycles. Alternatively, consider purchasing clothing and gear already treated with permethrin.
Do a body check after returning from the outdoors. Use either a hand-held or full-length mirror to inspect all parts of their body. Once indoors, tick-infested clothing should be placed in a dryer on high heat for at least 10 minutes to eradicate ticks from dry garments.
Shower within two hours of coming indoors. Showering may help wash off unattached ticks and is a good time to do a tick check.
Information on how to remove a tick can be found on the CDC’s tick removal page.
Individuals who become ill with a fever and/or rash after spending time in areas inhabited by ticks should contact their health care provider immediately.
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has collaborated with the Illinois Natural History Survey to develop an interactive tick surveillance map. This map documents the counties in Illinois where various tick species have been confirmed, along with the diseases they may carry.
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