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Colorado tick fever

Overview

Colorado Tick Fever (CTF) is a rare viral disease spread by the bite of an infected Rocky Mountain wood tick found in the western United States and western Canada. There are no vaccines to prevent or medicines to treat CTF. You can reduce your risk of infection by avoiding ticks. Learn more about CTF virus.

What Are the Symptoms of Colorado Tick Fever?

Symptoms of Colorado tick fever most often start 1 to 14 days after the tick bite. A sudden fever continues for 3 days, goes away, then comes back 1 to 3 days later for another few days. Other symptoms include:

  • fever up to 105°F
  • chills
  • severe headache
  • light sensitivity
  • muscle aches
  • skin tenderness
  • loss of appetite
  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • abdominal pain
  • weakness and fatigue
  • faint rash

It’s important to note that symptoms of Colorado tick fever take at least three days to develop. If you experience symptoms immediately after getting a tick bite, then your symptoms are likely being caused by another condition. You should speak with your doctor if you develop severe symptoms of Colorado tick fever or it your symptoms don’t improve within one week.

What Causes Colorado Tick Fever?

Colorado tick fever is caused by the Colorado tick fever virus. The virus is transmitted through the bite of an infected tick. The main carrier of the Colorado tick virus is the Rocky Mountain wood tick, which is most commonly found in the western United States. It usually lives in wooded areas located above 5,000 feet in elevation.

How Is Colorado Tick Fever Diagnosed?

Your doctor can make a Colorado tick fever diagnosis by doing a physical examination and performing various laboratory tests. These tests may include:

How Is Colorado Tick Fever Treated?

There is no specific treatment for Colorado tick fever. Once symptoms occur, they typically go away on their own within 10 days. The fever and muscles aches may be treated with acetaminophen, such as Tylenol, and other pain relief medications. Getting plenty of rest and staying hydrated are important as well.

You will also need to remove the tick as soon as possible. Call your doctor if you are unable to remove the entire tick from your skin.

What Are the Potential Complications of Colorado Tick Fever?

Colorado tick fever rarely causes complications. In some cases, however, the disease can lead to:

  • encephalitis, which is an inflammation of the brain tissue
  • meningitis, which is an inflammation of the membranes in the brain and spinal cord
  • hemorrhagic fever, which damages the blood vessels as well as various organs
  • Hospitalization may be required if complications occur.

How long does tick fever last in humans?

What Are the Symptoms? It'll take about a week for symptoms to appear after you're bitten. The main one is a high fever that comes and goes. The fever usually lasts for 3 to 5 days, goes away for 5 to 7 days, and then comes back.

Prevention

When walking or hiking in tick-infested areas:

  • Wear closed shoes
  • Wear long sleeves
  • Tuck long pants into socks to protect the legs

Wear light-colored clothing, which shows ticks more easily than darker colors. This makes them easier to remove.

Check yourself and your pets frequently. If you find ticks, remove them right away by using tweezers, pulling carefully and steadily. Insect repellent may be helpful.

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