Abstract

Death from Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) is preventable with prompt, appropriate treatment. Data from two independent sources were analyzed to estimate the burden of fatal RMSF and identify risk factors for fatal RMSF in the United States during 1999-2007. Despite increased reporting of RMSF cases to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, no significant changes in the estimated number of annual fatal RMSF cases were found. American Indians were at higher risk of fatal RMSF relative to whites (relative risk [RR] = 3.9), and children 5-9 years of age (RR = 6.0) and adults ≥ 70 years of age (RR = 3.0) were also at increased risk relative to other ages. Persons with cases of RMSF with an immunosuppressive condition were at increased risk of death (RR = 4.4). Delaying treatment of RMSF was also associated with increased deaths. These results may indicate a gap between recommendations and practice.

Links

Publisher Full Text

Authors

Dahlgren FS, Holman RC, Paddock CD, Callinan LS, McQuiston JH

Institution

Rickettsial Zoonoses Branch, Division of Vectorborne Infectious Diseases, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Disease, Atlanta, Georgia, USA. iot0@cdc.gov

Source

The American journal of tropical medicine and hygiene 86:4 2012 Apr pg 713-9

MeSH

Adolescent
Adult
Aged
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (U.S.)
Child
Child, Preschool
Female
Humans
Immunosuppressive Agents
Incidence
Indians, North American
Infant
Male
Middle Aged
Population Surveillance
Risk Factors
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
United States
Young Adult

Pub Type(s)

Journal Article
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

Language

eng

PubMed ID

22492159