Tick fever reported in Camp Sherman

A suspected case of tick-borne Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever has been reported at Camp Sherman.

Randy Trass, a 43-year old builder living in Camp Sherman was hospitalized for five days at St. Charles Medical Center with symptoms suggestive of RMSF. He had a rash near the palms of his hands, flu-like aches and general discomfort.

RMSF is caused by the bites of some ticks (in our area, the wood tick, Dermacentor andersoni). Signs of the disease usually begin 3 to 12 days after a tick bite or after tick feces is rubbed into the skin. Trass remembers removing a tick from his body after working in Metolius Meadows. Several days later he was hospitalized.

Trass was treated with antibiotics and is now home recuperating with Karen, his wife, and their two-year-old daughter Chantel.

RMSF is caused by a rickettsial (bacterial-like) agent Rickettsia rickettsii, carried by ticks. "Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever" may be a misnomer because the disease is most prevalent in the southeastern and south-central United States.

Dr. Chunn, one of the local Bend Doctors treating Randy said "I've been waiting 21 years to see this disease."

Although this is a very rare event in this state, periods of peak tick activity in Central Oregon are generally March through July.

The Centers for Disease Control preventative suggestions include using tick repellents, wearing light colored clothing (to make ticks more obvious), and checking yourself and companions when visiting wooded areas.

If you do find a tick on your body, remove it immediately with tweezers. Gently grasp the tick as close as possible to your skin and slowly pull it away. Do not attempt to remove the tick with Vaseline or hot objects such as matches or cigarettes. After handling ticks, be sure to thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water.

If you get a fever, headaches, rash, or nausea within two weeks of a possible tick bite or exposure you should see a doctor immediately.

In the next few weeks Trass' blood will be tested for antibody levels to confirm his case as Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.

Home prepared Tick/Fly spray:

· 2 cups white vinegar

· 1 cup Avon Skin-So-Soft bath oil

· 1 cup water

· 1 Tablespoon eucalyptus oil.