OKLAHOMA CITY -- An increase in the number of ticks across Oklahoma this summer is to blame for a rise in the number of Rocky Mountain spotted fever reports, officials said.
So far in 2008, there have been 41 cases in Oklahoma and even a death caused by the disease. Officials said the counties with the most reports were Cleveland, Pittsburg, Pontotoc and Tulsa.
The death was reported in Tulsa County, officials said.
Symptoms of Rocky Mountain spotted fever include fever, nausea, abdominal cramps, headaches, vomiting and a rash.
"The rash is different and very specific in that if you get the rash, it may well be on the palms of your hands and the soles of your feet," said Dr. Don Wilber.
Summer ticks are swarming the state, he said.
"It may be weather-related, how bad the winter was," Wilber said.
Tulsa City-County Health Department epidemiologist Chanteau Orr said it's believed ticks were brought into homes during the ice storms in wood that was used for heating.
Everybody should be on high alert when outside, Webber said.
"Three out of 100 people (with the disease) die," Wilber added. "I'd take it very seriously."
There were 186 cases of Rocky Mountain spotted fever in Oklahoma in all of 2007 and no deaths.
Cases began showing up in January this year, while the typical period for the disease is the spring and summer months.
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever Cases Up - Health News Story - KOCO Oklahoma City
So far in 2008, there have been 41 cases in Oklahoma and even a death caused by the disease. Officials said the counties with the most reports were Cleveland, Pittsburg, Pontotoc and Tulsa.
The death was reported in Tulsa County, officials said.
Symptoms of Rocky Mountain spotted fever include fever, nausea, abdominal cramps, headaches, vomiting and a rash.
"The rash is different and very specific in that if you get the rash, it may well be on the palms of your hands and the soles of your feet," said Dr. Don Wilber.
Summer ticks are swarming the state, he said.
"It may be weather-related, how bad the winter was," Wilber said.
Tulsa City-County Health Department epidemiologist Chanteau Orr said it's believed ticks were brought into homes during the ice storms in wood that was used for heating.
Everybody should be on high alert when outside, Webber said.
"Three out of 100 people (with the disease) die," Wilber added. "I'd take it very seriously."
There were 186 cases of Rocky Mountain spotted fever in Oklahoma in all of 2007 and no deaths.
Cases began showing up in January this year, while the typical period for the disease is the spring and summer months.
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever Cases Up - Health News Story - KOCO Oklahoma City
