North Carolina and the Dangers of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever

While the name Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever may lead you to assume that this disease is the most prevalent in the western portion of the United States, this simply is not true. In fact, North Carolina regularly ranks as one of the states with the most reported cases in the United States each year.

Symptoms of Rocky Mountain Tick Fever

Initial symptoms include a severe headache, joint pain, muscle aches, stomach issues, fever and lack of appetite. These symptoms usually begin anywhere from two days to two weeks after a bite. A rash will appear between two to five days after the onset of the symptoms. The rash consists of small flat pink spots that will appear around the wrists, forearms and ankles. It can spread to the soles of the feet and palms of the hands. See the rash pictured above.

Treatment for Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever

Fortunately, there is a treatment available for Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Antibiotics c n clear up the symptoms and the disease. It is important to seek treatment right away because there can be serious complications if you do not treat for the disease. You may also end up in the hospital if not treated early enough.

Preventing Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever

If you can find the tick within the first 6-12 hours of it attaching, you are less likely to contract Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Regularly checking for ticks can help. It is also important to wear DEET when going into areas with a lot of ticks, as well as tucking your shirt in and tucking your pants into your socks.

Ticks are not only found out in the woods, but they can also be found in and around your yard. There are steps you can take to reduce ticks in your yard including keeping your grass cut short and free from debris. Additionally, you may want to consider treating your yard for ticks. This can reduce the chance of you or a family member contradicting the disease and allow you to rest easy when you send your children out to play. Contact Mosquito Tek to learn more about available tick control services.

Learn about 4 Most Common Mosquito Borne Illnesses in Virginia Beach

Comments

Hurricane Florence increases Mosquitoes in Raleigh

Although the Research Triangle was spared the devastating winds of a Category 3 or Category 4 storm when Hurricane Florence made landfall on Friday 9/14/2018, heavy rains have caused widespread flooding throughout southeastern North Carolina and has drenched the Raleigh area. Even though the main effects of the winds and rain have diminished in Raleigh, the saturation of the rain has left the area prone to mosquitoes that normally breed where water is prevalent and both heat and humidity are extreme. Raleigh is already listed at #6 in the top 20 worst mosquito cities in the United States , and with the current conditions left from Hurricane Florence, it's predicted that there will be a major increase for mosquitoes not only in Raleigh, but in most North Carolina cities and towns. Saturated Ground Makes Uncommon Locations Perfect for Mosquito Breeding Most Raleigh based mosquito control companies will typically address mosquito breeding locations where water tends to collect nat

Will the East Asian Tick Spread to the Arlington Area This Year?

The East Asian tick has made the news in the last few days because it is a new tick species that was identified as being in the United States this year. It was first identified last fall, but efforts were made to eradicate it. Unfortunately, scientists have determined that those efforts did not work, and the species has been established in New Jersey. Why Are People Concerned About the East Asian Tick? It is an extremely invasive species that originated in Asia. When it first spread to Australia it causes significant problems for farmers there. The ticks are often found around farms animals, but they can also be found on large animals like deer. The East Asian tick does carry the SFTS virus, which is a new virus that was first discovered in 2009. It has potential for serious complications and scientists worry about a potential outbreak. How Does the East Asian Tick Spread? The experts are not sure how the East Asian tick made its way to the United States. However, once it is

Norfolk Flooding from Florence Increases Mosquitoes

Norfolk residents were spared the brunt of the damage when Hurricane Florence made landfall along the North Carolina coastline, but unfortunately the storm was so large that the rain bands extended well into the Virginia Beach and Norfolk area. Flooding in Norfolk has not only made some of the low-lying areas impassable for traffic, but the excess water is also proving to be a haven for mosquitoes that thrive by breeding in water when temperatures and humidity are high. Increased Mosquito Breeding Locations Even though Norfolk is already surrounded by water, the saturation of rains has opened up new areas for mosquitoes to breed that normally remain dry around homes and businesses. Most mosquitoes tend to lay their eggs in areas where water collects naturally such as ponds and along the edges of lakes and streams, but now they can reproduce within wet yards that are closer to buildings. Professional Mosquito Exterminators can Lessen Breeding Cycles Normally a mosquito control technici

Mosquito Tek

Search This Blog