Colorado tick fever.

Abstract

Colorado tick fever, also known as mountain fever and mountain tick fever, is a well-described, viral, tick-borne disease common to the Rocky Mountain region of the United States and Canada. The Rocky Mountain wood tick, Dermacentor andersoni, is the primary vector. The triad of high fever, severe myalgia, and headache is typical, but not specific. Although a self-limited disease in most cases, severe complications may occur. PCR techniques have been developed that allow the diagnosis to be established from the first day of symptoms. Ribavirin may merit consideration in the appropriate clinical setting.