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Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF). Tribal contact information:. Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF). Let’s Kick Ticks to Stop RMSF!. RMSF is spread through the bite of a tick that has the germ RMSF cannot spread person to person RMSF can be stopped if we work together!. Tick Life Cycle.
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Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF) Tribal contact information:
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF) Let’s Kick Ticks to Stop RMSF! • RMSF is spread through the bite of a tick that has the germ • RMSF cannot spread person to person • RMSF can be stopped if we work together!
Tick Life Cycle Hatch Feed, Grow, Lay Eggs Feedand Grow Feed and Grow
I’m the Brown Dog Tick and I…. • live in hot climates • need a dog to find a mate • feed on dogs in all 3 life stages • feed on humans • hide in walls, stucco, cracks, carpet, and crevices • can live outdoors or indoors (as long as there are dogs) Brown Dog Tick Actual tick size in palm of hand
Your Dog and RMSF • You can't get RMSF from your dog - only from TICKS • RMSF can make dogs sick as well! • RMSF ticks like to feed on dogs • Free-roaming dogs can spread ticks into nearby homes and yards • New puppies attract more ticks
Prevention Begins with YOU! Scalp Behind the ears Back of Neck SPRAY pesticides in your yard ALL summer USE Insect Repellent (DEET) to keep ticks from biting Groin Back of Knee TREAT your dogs for ticks using tick-killing COLLARs, shampoos, and medicines REMOVE old furniture, mattresses and trash from the yard CHECK yourself, your children and your dogs every day
How can you help your dog? Remember to SPAY and NEUTER! One unneutered male dog + One unspayed female dog 1 year = 16 dogs 2 years = 128 dogs 3 years = 512 dogs 4 years = 2,408 dogs 5 years = 12,288 dogs 6 years = 67,000 dogs Reasons to Spay or Neuter • Helps dogs live longer, healthier life • Prevents dogs from getting sick from some diseases • Reduces dangers of multiple pregnancies • Reduces risk of roaming
Prevent Ticks on Your Dog • Tick collars can protect dogs from ticks • Some top-spot treatments and tick powders can also work • Collar all dogs in your yard • Follow package directions to decide when the collars need to be changed • Check your dogs for ticks regularly PROTECT YOUR DOG!
Ticks on Dogs • Where to look: Inside the ears On the belly In the armpits Between the toes
Yard Treatments • Treating your yard once a year is NOT enough • Yards need regular treatments in summer months • Killing ticks in your yard means: • Fewer ticks to bite dogs • Fewer ticks to bite humans • You can buy your own safe products • Handouts available about locally-available tick control products Four times a Summer! June May July August
Important Tips: • Buy ready-to-spray products • Read safety information on the label before applying pesticide • Follow the directions on the product • Be aware of where you put product • Do not let kids play with products
Spray Here Spray Here Spray Here
STEPS TO REMOVE A TICK 1. Use tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible. 2. Gently pull the tick straight upwards, using steady and even pressure 3. Make sure all of the tick was removed from the skin. If any parts remained, remove them. 4. Wash the bite with soap and water, or disinfect the area with rubbing alcohol. Important: If you have a tick bite and get fever and headache 2-14 days afterwards, go see your doctor as soon as possible!
How to dispose of a live tick Options: • Put it in alcohol • Put it in a sealed bag or container • Wrap it tightly in tape • Flush it down the toilet • DON’T crush a tick with your fingers
What does RMSF illness look like? It can be hard to know when people have RMSF. They might have: • Fever or chills • Headache • Body aches • Nausea or vomiting • Lack of appetite • Rash If you have a fever for 2 or more days, go to a doctor!
What happens if the doctor suspects RMSF? • You will get a medicine called doxycycline • It’s important to take ALL of the medicine, even after you feel better • They will take a blood sample from you to test for RMSF • You will need to return in 2-4 weeks to have a second blood sample to complete the RMSF test
Let’s Protect Our Community • Work with your neighbor to keep your yards clean • Collar all dogs in your yard • Check yourself and kids for ticks Share your stories about RMSF with friends and family