Rocky Mountain spotted fever
- Pronunciation
- /ROH-kee MOUN-tin SPOT-ted FEE-ver/
- Category
- Disease
Definition
A potentially fatal tick-borne disease caused by the bacterium Rickettsia rickettsii. It is characterized by a rash that spreads from the wrists and ankles to the rest of the body, along with fever, headache, and other symptoms.
Etymology
Named after the mountain regions where it was first recognized as a distinct disease entity.
Example
Rocky Mountain spotted fever is transmitted by ticks found in wooded areas.