A new infection transmitted by ticks, more severe than Lyme disease, has been listed in Quebec. The first case of purple fever of the rocky mountains, which is widespread all over the American continent, was identified in Estrie at the beginning of the summer. Should we fear his arrival on the territory?
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“I thought it would happen in Quebec a little later, in five or ten years. But there, it is done, we had our first case, ”said the microbiologist-infectiologist and holder of the Lyme disease research chair and emerging infections at the University of Sherbrooke, Alex Carignan.
The purple fever of the rocky mountains is a well-known infection, he says, has been presenting for several years throughout the territory of the United States, Central America and certain regions of South America.
Inspq courtesy photo
It is still emerging in Canada and Quebec, where a first case was identified in early summer in Estrie.
Like the majority of infected people, the patient has responded to the treatment of doxycycline which is also used to treat Lyme disease.
The bacteria responsible for fever is however transmitted by a different tick.
New tick, new bacteria
The dermacentor tick – also known as the dog’s American tick – is responsible for the spread of the purple fever of the rocky mountains. The black leg tick transports Lyme disease.
This species has been on the radar of the Bishop University Tick Surveillance Program since 2017.
“In general, infected patients do without it without complications,” says the Dr Carignan.
“But purple fever can have greater severity, nuances the specialist. Several cases of death have been reported following this infection if it is not treated early enough. Deaths are extremely rare with Lyme disease while with a fever, we see much more. ”
Inspq courtesy photo
The purple fever infection of rocky mountains causes small dark and reddish lesions in particular.
The infection causes strong fevers, headaches, confusion and a characteristic rash at the lower limbs which manifests in the form of small dark and reddish lesions.
“It was these redness who led our teams to suspect the purple fever of the rocky mountains,” says Alex Carignan.
Still climate change
The microbiologist-infectiologist is still reassuring: “There is no reason to be alarmed”.
“With climate change, it’s been a while that we observe a migration of ticks to the north,” recalls the Dr Carignan.
The dermacentor tick infected with the purple fever of the rocky mountains would probably have arrived in Estrie by the earth or by traveling on the back of the bird, according to him.
• Read also: Ticks and Lyme disease gain ground in Quebec
“The purple fever of the rocky mountains is nevertheless inserted in a more global portrait where we will see more infections transmitted by ticks. It is essential to adopt behaviors to protect yourself, ”argues the specialist.
The Ministry of Health recommends wearing long -color long -color clothes, entering the pants in the socks and the sweater in the pants, then using an insectulum during an outdoor activity. It is also advisable to inspect your body and quickly remove the ticks with fine pliers.
