A first case of “purple fever of the rocks” transmitted by a tick has just been detected in Estrie. Alex Carignan, microbiologist-infectiologist at the CIUSS of Estrie, has just alerted the public authorities of this new unwanted creature. He explains why.
How was the first case detected?
It was by a patient who came to the hospital in Estrie. He had a high fever of 40 degrees for three days, headache, muscle pain, then confusion. We were therefore clearly not in front of a case of small viral infection. But as we had never yet identified a purple fever of the Rockies here, it was not our first hypothesis. I didn’t think it would happen before 5 or 10 years.
What really put the chip in the ear, without bad puns?
Photo taken from Alex Carignan’s Facebook page
Characteristic petes of the purple fever of the rocky mountains.
The appearance of petechies-this inflammation of blood vessels-which are very characteristic of this well-known infection in the southeast of the United States. We also see them in the northeast of the United States and in the Rockies. The first case was detected in Montana in the early 1900s.
Is it dangerous?
There are still few studies on the subject, but the overall mortality rate – 5 % – is still quite high. Our patient, for his part, reacted well to the treatment of doxycycline, the antibiotic that is also given in the event of a lyme disease or anaplasmosis (another infection transmitted by a different tick).
What do we know about the tick responsible for the new infection?
This is the dermacentor tick, also called “dog’s American tick”, which does not transmit Lyme disease.
Does this mean that dogs can be vectors of transmission?
It is the tick itself that gives infection, not the dog. However, it is not impossible for a tick that would be on a dog without being fixed there happens in the house. Last fall, it is suspected that a person who was sleeping with his dog would have been stung by a tick.
But still, don’t panic with dogs, what. How to protect yourself in general?
As with other ticks. Long clothes offer some protection, as is insect repellents.
Dressing long, summer, no one wants to do this too …
Certainly. At the very least, after a day outside, it’s always a good idea to take place in the body, although ticks sometimes reach regions where they go unnoticed, such as scalp, armpits … I like the outdoors myself a lot and personally, when I get home, I take a shower. Again, if the tick is not yet fixed, we can have a chance to get rid of it like this.
The tick was detected in Estrie. Doesn’t this region already have its dose of ticks?
Indeed, it is a region which is particularly favorable to the establishment of ticks, among others because of the proximity of the United States, as is the case in Montérégie. It should be noted, however, not all sectors are affected in the same way. In Estrie, the Bromont-Cowansville-Granby triangle is particularly in question.
How worried, vigilant?
I launched the news of this new tick on social networks, especially to raise awareness of front line doctors, so that they think of this hypothesis. The authorities in public health, now informed too, will undoubtedly set up surveillance mechanisms. Because yes, it is to be monitored: if the infection is not supported adequately, it can lead to death.
