Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever - big increase in the number of cases in Tennessee this year

A mild winter and a warmer-than-normal March has increased the tick population and led to 38 reported cases of Rocky Mountain spotted fever, compared with only six by the same time last year.

Travellers can reduce the risk of becoming infected with Rocky Mountain spotted fever by avoiding tick habitats such as woods, fields and forests where possible. Daily tick checks and prompt removal of an attached tick will help to reduce the risk of infection.