Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever Treatment

Treatment with antibiotics should begin as soon as RMSF is suspected; the clinical picture described above is enough to justify immediate treatment. Doxycycline (Vibramycin) is the antibiotic recommended by most investigators to treat RMSF in both adults and children. Dosage depends on the weight and age of the patient; chloramphenicol is recommended for pregnant females to reduce the chance of tooth and bone malformations in the fetus. Antibiotics are usually given for about five to 10 days or until the fever has been gone for at least three days. Severe cases may need additional treatment in an intensive care unit (ICU) of a hospital for ventilation, blood pressure support, and other life-saving treatments.