CDC warns travelers to Mexico of exposure to Rocky Mountain spotted fever

 

CDC warns travelers to Mexico of exposure to Rocky Mountain spotted fever

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 1 travel advisory urging caution for travelers to Mexico, particularly the Baja California region, due to the risk of exposure to Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF).

What is Rocky Mountain spotted fever?

RMSF is a potentially fatal bacterial disease transmitted to humans through the bite of infected ticks. The disease can cause a variety of symptoms, including:

• Fever
• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Fatigue
• Rash
• Nausea and vomiting
• Abdominal pain

Why is the risk elevated in Mexico?

The brown dog tick, which is the primary vector for RMSF in Mexico, is found year-round throughout the country. This increases the risk of exposure for travelers, especially those engaging in outdoor activities in tick-infested areas.

What can travelers do to stay safe?

The CDC recommends the following measures to reduce the risk of RMSF while traveling in Mexico:

• Apply insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus to exposed skin.
• Wear long pants and sleeves when outdoors in tick-infested areas.
• Perform a thorough tick check on yourself and your travel companions after being outdoors.
• Seek immediate medical attention if you develop symptoms of RMSF, especially within two weeks of returning from Mexico.

Additional resources:

• CDC travel advisory for Mexico: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices/level1/rmsf-mexico
• CDC information on RMSF: https://www.cdc.gov/rmsf/symptoms/index.html
• World Health Organization information on RMSF: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6805790/

By following these recommendations and being aware of the risks, travelers can help protect themselves from RMSF while enjoying their trip to Mexico.