Kentucky child falls into coma after tick bite: parenting tips to help prevent Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever

New Delhi: A 2-year-old Kentucky boy reportedly went into a coma after catching a rare and life-threatening tick-bite illness. Her mother, Kayla Oblisk, said her infant son, Jackson, contracted Rocky Mountain's fever after being bitten by a tick on his neck. Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever is an infectious bacterial disease transmitted by the bite of an infected tick, also at the origin of Lyme disease. If left untreated, this condition can be fatal and cause serious damage to internal organs, including the heart and kidneys.

Rocky Mountain Spotted fever, which was first identified in the Rocky Mountains, is most commonly found in the southeastern United States, according to the Mayo Clinic. Most people with FFSR initially develop high fever, headaches, and rashes.

according to WHAS-TV, the boy caught Rocky Mountain fever after being bitten by a tick in Mount Washington City Park. "They just succeeded and continued on their way. We did not think about anything anymore, "the newspaper's source, Oblisk, the boy's mother, said on May 31st. She said the family did not think much about it, but they began to worry when Jackson started running a fever. His mother then took him to a doctor after noticing pale pink spots all over his body.

Eventually, the boy, unconscious for about a week because of his potentially fatal condition, woke up for the first time on Friday, at the age of two. Oblisk, who is struggling to pay for Jackson's treatment, said he hopes his son will recover. At the same time, a family friend has created a GoFundMe fund to raise funds for medical bills, the report says.

The report says that the risk of being bitten by a tick with the bacteria is about one in 20,000. Early treatment with the right antibiotic can help prevent death and serious complications.

What are the signs and symptoms of Rocky Mountain spotted fever?

Signs and symptoms of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever may include:

• High fever
• Headache
• Chills
• reckless
• Muscle aches
• Nausea and vomiting
• Stomach pain
• Lack of appetite

Since the early symptoms of RMSF are often nonspecific and may mimic another disease, it is advisable to seek medical attention if you or your child become ill, especially after being bitten by a tick.

What Parents Can Do to Prevent Tick Bites and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever

Although there is no specific vaccine against Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, parents may take some precautions to prevent or reduce the risk of tick bite of the family.

1. The first line of defense is to avoid going to areas that may contain ticks, such as wooded and shrubby areas with lots of grbad and dead leaves (when going outdoors).
2. Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants, tied in socks, especially if you live in an area with lots of ticks. Opt for light-colored clothing, which makes it easier to detect ticks.
3. Use insect repellents containing DEET that can help repel ticks. However, you should not use insect repellent in babies under 2 months old.
4. Remember to use products containing 0.5% permethrin for better protection. According to the CDC, permethrin can be used to treat your shoes, clothing and camping gear.
5. Check your body and that of your child, especially in certain places – for example, in and around the hair, under the arms, on the navel, around the waist, in and around the ears, at the back of the knees, between the legs – after being outside. Do not forget to examine your pets, clothing and other equipment.
6. Take a shower within two hours of arriving from the outside to help reduce the risk of contracting the tick-borne disease.
7. If you find a tick attached to your skin or clothing, use tweezers to remove it carefully. You should not squeeze or crush the tick, but gently grasp it near the head or mouth and soak it in alcohol or flush it in the bathroom. After removing the tick, wash the affected area or bite it with alcohol or soap and water. In addition, wash your hands thoroughly recommend the Mayo Clinic.

The tick – borne disease can occur all year, however, infections are more common during the warmer months (April to September). In addition, taking the necessary steps can help prevent and reduce the risk of contracting Rocky Mountain spotted fever in your family.

Disclaimer: The tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are intended only for general information and should not be construed as professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or health care professional if you have specific questions about medical issues.