Colorado tick fever (patient information)
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Colorado tick fever |
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Colorado tick fever On the Web |
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Ilan Dock, B.S.
Overview
Colorado Tick Fever (CTF) (also called Mountain tick fever, Mountain fever, and American mountain fever) is an acute viral infection transmitted from the bite of an infected wood tick (Dermacentor andersoni). A species of the genus Coltivirus, Colorado tick fever virus (CTFV) infects haemopoietic cells, particularly erythrocytes, which explains the viral pathway of transmission within bloodsucking ticks and also accounts for the incidence of transmission via blood transfusion. The disease is found almost exclusively in the western United States and Canada, mostly in high mountain areas such as Colorado and Idaho. The CTFV was first isolated from human blood in 1944. [2]The virus particle, like other Coltiviruses, is ~80 nm in diameter and is generally non-envolped. The double stranded RNA viral genome is ~20,000bp long and is divided into 12 segments, which are termed Seg-1 to Seg-12. Viral replication in infected cells is associated with characteristic cytoplasmic granular matrices. Evidence suggests that viral presence in mature erythrocytes is a result of replication of the virus in hematopoitic erythrocyte precursor cells and simultaneous maturation of the infected immature cells rather than off direct entry and replication of CTFV in mature erythrocytes.[3]
What are the symptoms of Colorado tick fever?
The most common symptoms of Colorado tick fever (CTF) are:
Common symptoms:
- Fever
- Chills
- Headache
- Body aches
- Lethargic
Uncommon symptoms:
- Sore throat
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Skin rash [1]
What are the causes of Colorado tick fever?
Colorado Tick Fever (CTF) (also called Mountain tick fever, Mountain fever, and American mountain fever) is an acute viral infection transmitted from the bite of an infected wood tick (Dermacentor andersoni). It should not be confused with the bacterial tick-borne infection, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. The type species of the genus Coltivirus, Colorado tick fever virus (CTFV) infects haemopoietic cells, particularly erythrocytes, which explains the virus transmission process by bloodsucking ticks and also accounts for the incidence of transmission via blood transfusion. The disease develops from March to September, with the highest infections occurring in May and June. [4] The disease is found almost exclusively in the western United States and Canada, mostly in high mountain areas such as Colorado and Idaho. The CTFV was first isolated from human blood in 1944. [5]
Risk factors include:
The primary risk factors associated with Colorado tick fever are exposure to endemic environment and the time of that exposure. Rocky Mountain wood ticks have been identified as the primary vector of Colorado tick fever infections, thus being bitten in an endemic area may result in the contraction of the disease.
How to know you have Colorado tick fever?
A combination of laboratory tests can confirm the likely hood of a Colorado tick fever infection. An Immunofluoresence assay remains the gold standard in testing for infection. Other tests include complement fixation to the viral components that cause Colorado tick fever or acute and convalescent serology. [2]
When to seek urgent medical care?
Early onset signs include fever, lethargy, and overall weakness. As the infection progresses, further clinical manifestations will present themselves in the form of tachycardia, changes in blood pressure, sensitivity of the eye and skin, and the appearance of a rash. Signs may appear to be similar to other diseases within the umbrella of tick-borne fevers however a biphasic fever is a characteristic sign of a Colorado tick fever infection.
Treatment options
There is currently no specific treatment for Colorado tick fever. Supportive treatment is currently the primary method in care. Certain cases, depending on severity, will require hospitalization.
Prevention of Colorado tick fever
Colorado tick fever prevention strategies are based on avoiding potential, infected, tick bites. Avoiding tick bites may be accomplished through limited exposure to endemic areas. However if it is impossible or impractical to avoid these areas, several preventative strategies may be implemented. These strategies are indicated under the Prevention title below. Other prevention strategies include a proper removal of the tick. This process is also outlined below under the title, the best way to remove a tick.
What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?
Initial symptoms include: fever, chills, headaches,pain behind the eyes, light sensitivity, muscle pain, generalized malaise abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting as well as a flat or pimply rash. [3] During the second phase of the virus a high fever can return with an increase in symptoms. Colorado tick fever can be very severe in cases involving children and have even required hospitalization.
Possible complications
Complications with this disease have included aseptic meningitis, encephalitis, and hemorrhagic fever but these are rare.
Sources
References
- ↑ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Symptoms and Treatment. http://www.cdc.gov/coloradotickfever/symptoms-treatment.html Accessed January 21, 2016.
- ↑ Quest Diagnostics. Colorado tick fever diagnostics. http://www.questdiagnostics.com/testcenter/testguide.action?dc=CF_Tick-borneDis. Accessed January 27, 2016.
- ↑ Colorado tick fever fact sheet. Oregon Department of Health and Safety. http://www.oregon.gov/DHS/ph/acd/diseases/ctf/facts.shtml