Top States With RMSF
Posted on May 15 2019
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever is just one of many tick diseases that is making headlines during spring - prime season for tick activity. RMSF leads to skin rashes and weak joints, somewhat similar to the effects of Lyme Disease.
2017 saw the highest reported cases of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever totaling 6248 cases compared to 2016 with 4269 cases, confirmed by the CDC. In June 2018, the CDC reported that RMSF was found in these top states: Tennessee, North Carolina, Missouri, Arkansas and Oklahoma.
Because there is no cure for RMSF, the CDC advises that homeowners and outdoor enthusiasts work to keep deer away from yards to reduce the risk of a tick bite. Here's what they need to do:
- Deer-proof yards with a 7.5-8' foot high fence;
- Grow deer-resistant plants such as daffodils, marigolds, iris, verbena and herbs;
- Apply granular and liquid deer repellents to grasses
- Carry a tick removal tool when hiking, camping or spending large amounts of time in the garden.
