What are facts about Colorado tick fever?

Colorado Tick Fever (CTF) Facts:

1. Pathogen and Transmission:

- Colorado Tick Fever is a viral infection caused by the Colorado tick fever virus (CTFV), a member of the Thogotovirus genus within the Orthomyxoviridae family.

- The virus is primarily transmitted to humans through the bite of infected female Rocky Mountain wood ticks (Dermacentor andersoni) during their feeding period.

2. Geographical Distribution:

- CTF is mainly associated with the western United States, particularly in the Rocky Mountain region, including Colorado, Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Utah, Nevada, and parts of Washington, Oregon, and California.

- However, cases have also been reported in other states and Canada.

3. Seasonal Occurrence:

- CTF is most commonly seen in the spring and early summer months (April to July), coinciding with the peak activity period of the Rocky Mountain wood tick.

4. Symptoms:

- After an incubation period of 3-6 days following the tick bite, CTF symptoms typically develop over a period of 1-2 days.

- Initial symptoms include high fever, severe headache, muscle aches, fatigue, weakness, and chills.

- Additional symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and sore throat.

- In severe cases, CTF can cause serious complications like encephalitis, meningitis, and liver failure.

5. Diagnosis:

- CTF is diagnosed based on clinical symptoms and laboratory tests.

- A blood test can detect antibodies to CTFV, indicating recent infection.

- Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing may also be used to identify the virus in the blood.

6. Treatment:

- There is no specific antiviral treatment for CTF.

- Treatment is supportive, focusing on relieving symptoms and managing complications.

- Rest, fluids, pain relievers, and antipyretics are commonly recommended.

- In severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary.

7. Prevention:

- Avoiding tick-infested areas, wearing proper clothing and tick repellents, performing regular tick checks, and promptly removing attached ticks can help reduce the risk of CTF.

- Tick control measures in residential areas and recreational spaces are also essential.

8. Reservoir Hosts:

- The main reservoir hosts for CTFV are small wild mammals, such as chipmunks, squirrels, and wood rats, which serve as hosts for nymphal and adult ticks.

9. Morbidity and Mortality:

- CTF is generally a self-limited disease with most patients fully recovering within a few weeks.

- However, severe cases, especially in the elderly or immunocompromised individuals, can lead to serious complications and rarely even death.

10. Laboratory Safety:

- CTFV is classified as a Biosafety Level 2 (BSL-2) pathogen, requiring appropriate precautions in laboratory settings.