Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever: What You Need to Know to Stay Safe Outdoors This Summer

Summer Adventures Shouldn’t Come with a Side of Tick-Borne Illnesses

Warm weather, long hikes, and campfire nights are what summer memories are made of—but they also bring an increased risk of tick exposure and fast-acting illnesses like Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF).

This month, health officials in Spokane, Washington issued warnings as tick activity rises in high-traffic outdoor areas, and cases of RMSF become more of a seasonal threat. If you or your pets spend time on trails, at campsites, or in grassy backyards, it's time to take tick prevention seriously.

What Is Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever?

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF) is a bacterial infection caused by Rickettsia rickettsii, transmitted through the bite of infected ticks—primarily the American dog tick, brown dog tick, and Rocky Mountain wood tick.

While its name suggests a Western U.S. origin, RMSF has been reported across the country, from the Southeast to the Pacific Northwest.

Why RMSF Is So Dangerous

Unlike some tick-borne diseases with slow-developing symptoms, RMSF progresses quickly and can be fatal if not treated early. Symptoms typically appear within 2–14 days after a tick bite and may include:

• Sudden high fever

• Headaches and muscle pain

• Nausea or vomiting

• A spotted rash, often appearing after the fever begins

Early detection and immediate treatment with antibiotics are critical. Delayed care can lead to serious complications, including organ failure or death.

Why RMSF Is Rising Right Now

Tick activity peaks in warm, humid weather—exactly the conditions summer brings. As more people venture outdoors to hike, camp, and relax in nature, encounters with ticks increase dramatically.

According to the Spokane Regional Health District, tick populations are thriving in:

• Tall grass and overgrown fields

• Wooded trails and campsites

• Urban-adjacent green spaces and backyards

And yes—your pets are at risk, too. Dogs can bring ticks into the home after walks or hikes, making regular tick checks and protective tools more important than ever.

How to Prevent Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever This Summer

While there’s no vaccine for RMSF, prevention is your best line of defense—and it starts with tick awareness and daily habits. Here's what you can do:

✅ 1. Stay on cleared trails

Avoid walking through high grass or dense underbrush.

✅ 2. Perform thorough tick checks

Inspect yourself, your gear, and your pets after every outing.

✅ 3. Use the TiCK MiTT after every walk, hike, or camping trip

The TiCK MiTT is a chemical-free, reusable tick removal tool designed to wipe off loose ticks before they embed—ideal for families, hikers, campers, and pet owners.

✅ 4. Dry your gear and mitt on high heat

Ticks can survive on soft surfaces. Use your dryer to kill any missed stragglers.

Be Prepared, Not Paranoid

RMSF may not get the same media attention as Lyme disease, but its dangers are real—and fast-moving. As we embrace everything summer has to offer, let's do so with confidence and the right protection in place.

Your next outdoor memory shouldn't be interrupted by a preventable tick bite.
TiCK MiTT has your back—and your dog’s belly.

🧤 Shop TiCK MiTT now to stay protected this summer → HERE