Primary prevention
Prevention consists of avoidance of tick bites and prompt removal of attached ticks. Tick attachment of less than a few hours is less likely to transmit rickettsial pathogens. During spring and summer, people and pets who have been outdoors should be examined daily for ticks. Attached ticks should be removed by grasping with tweezers close to the skin and pulling gently with steady pressure. Insect repellents containing 20% to 30% DEET (N,N-diethyl-3-methylbenzamide) are effective for preventing tick bites and are safe when used appropriately. Spraying clothing with permethrin also decreases the likelihood of tick attachment.[1]
Secondary prevention
Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) is a notifiable disease. Prevention practices still apply to people who have recovered from RMSF. Such people are immune to R rickettsii, but may remain susceptible to other tick-borne infections. Prevention consists of avoidance of tick bites and prompt removal of attached ticks.
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