Rocky Mountain spotted fever is lesser known but still a dangerous tick-borne disease.
MADISON (WKOW) – Many believe Lyme disease is the main tick-borne illness, but experts say there’s another disease to watch out for.
Rocky Mountain spotted fever is a rare disease found in Wisconsin.
Gundersen Health experts say a quarter of all cases are fatal, which is above average compared to other tick-borne diseases.
Doctors say there are a number of symptoms you need to watch out for, including a sudden high fever.
“You might have a headache, you might get chills, you might feel a little tired,” said Megan Meller, infection preventionist, Gundersen Health.
“You might even get some, like sore joints, and all of these coupled together would be an indication of Rocky Mountain spotted fever,” Meller said.
Many of these symptoms can be caused by other, more treatable conditions. However, experts say it’s important to get checked out if you’re not sure.