Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF) is an infectious disease transmitted to people through the bit of a tick. Typical symptoms of RMSF include fever, muscle aches, and a rash that often begins on the arms and legs and spreads to the rest of the body. RMSF is treatable with antibiotics. Contrary to its name, RMSF is rare in the western United States; most cases occur in the Midwest and southeastern U.S. Only one or two cases of RMSF are reported each year in California.