Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever poses threat in San Carlos Posted: Wednesday, Aug 8th, 2012 BY: Holly Sow/ Editor Globe ― It is summer and with the monsoon rains, brush, weeds and grass have enjoyed renewed growth. While the rains are always welcome in the hot summer months, the increased risk of the Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF) disease through tick bites is a real threat, especially to children and the elderly. This spring and summer, San Carlos has been working to combat the effects of this disease on the reservation. In San Carlos, according to the Department of Health and Human Services, more than 200 children have been treated for RMSF since March. There are ongoing efforts to contain the spread of the disease through spay and neuter clinics. These clinics are intended to reduce the number of stray animals that can carry ticks, among the most common the brown dog tick. To date, the RAVS program has hosted two clinics in 2012, one in March and one in May. The May clinic alone provided more than $69,950 of services to the people of San Carlos; combined with the Wellness Clinic in March, $112,000 worth of veterinary services has been provided free-of-charge in 2012 alone.  Despite the combined efforts of these entities and the ongoing public awareness and education campaigns on the San Carlos Reservation, RMSF has already been the cause of a few deaths in San Carlos. Efforts continue and people should take precautions and check for any ticks on their clothes or skin. Children especially need attentive care, for children are at an increased risk of dying from the disease. If you have been bitten by a tick, watch for any of the following symptoms and see a health care professional immediately, if any symptoms occur. Signs of RMSF: 1. Fever 2. Headache, aches, pains 3. Red spots, red bumps, or rash that often appear a few days after the fever. This rash may appear on the hands and feet. Some affected people will never develop a rash. If you develop any of these signs within two weeks after a tick bite, it is best to be checked for Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. If this disease is left untreated, it can be fatal.   http://www.silverbelt.com/v2_news_articles.php?heading=0&page=72&story_id=3988