RMSF can be fatal within 7-9 days. All patients with suspected RMSF should receive immediate antibiotic treatment with doxycycline. Use of antibiotics other than doxycycline is associated with a higher risk of fatal outcome from RMSF. Incubation period of 3-12 days following the bite of an infected tick Prophylactic use of doxycycline following tick bite is not recommended and may delay onset of illness. Website: www.cdc.gov/rmsf/ Publication date from document properties. Clinical_Timeline_Rocky_Mountain_Spotted_Fever_08_English_7-2-2018-3-P.pdf

Stephen B. Thacker CDC Library collection