The best way to reduce the risk of Rocky Mountain spotted fever is to reduce exposure to ticks. This can be done by:
If treatment is not started early in a person with Rocky Mountain spotted fever, there may be complications. Long-term effects may involve:
Serious complications include blood clotting problems and low blood pressure, both of which can lead to death. Long-term effects, including death and neurologic damage, are not uncommon in severe cases of Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
Rocky Mountain spotted fever is acquired by a tick bite. It is not spread directly from person to person, but can be spread through blood transfusions.