Rocky Mountain Spotted Tick Fever

1
Distinctive rash on the palm of the hand.

Understand the symptoms. These begin to appear from two to ten days after the initial bite, and may include any or all of the following; fever, nausea, muscle pain, severe headache light sensitivity, abdominal pain, and rash. The rash begins as flat red spots, covering the arms and legs and eventually the trunk. This is a distinctive rash as it also covers the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet.
It is possible to have Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever with no rash at all but the fever will always be present. Absence of a rash makes diagnosis more difficult.

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  Step 2
  Seek immediate medical attention. Prompt treatment will cure the illness completely. If not treated, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever can prove fatal. Because of this, treatment is often initiated based on evidence of a tick bite and symptoms. Be aware that Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever is most prevalent among the younger population as this are the least cautious, and most adventurous.
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  Step 3
  Be especially vigilant if you are in an area of high incidence. Although Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever can be found anywhere infected ticks are found, the majority of cases now occur in the South-Atlantic Region. The rocky mountain area, where the illness was first identified, is no longer the most infected.
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  Step 4
  Protect yourself from Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever by protecting yourself from tick bites. Wear light-colored, long pants and long sleeves when hiking, camping or working around long grass or brush. Check yourself, your children, and your pets, often for the presence of ticks. Ticks come in all sizes so check carefully. Keep the brush cut back from around your home. Use proven insect repellents, as directed

You need to continue doxycycline treatment for at least 3 days after the fever and other symptoms have subsided.  Treatment usually lasts for 5 to 10 days, sometimes longer.