First-ever tick-transmitted Rocky Mountain fever case confirmed in Quebec’s Eastern Townships – CTV
August 18, 2025
Doctors in Quebec’s Eastern Townships have found what they think is the first case of Rocky Mountain fever transmitted in the province.
The infection is a bacterial disease transmitted by the Dermacentor tick, also known as the “American dog” tick, and it does not transmit Lyme disease.
Rocky Mountain fever is common across most of the United States, but it’s never been seen in Quebec.
“Initial symptoms include fever, severe headaches, confusion […] There have been several reported deaths from this infection,” Dr. Alex Carignan told Noovo Info. Carignan holds the research chair in Lyme disease and emerging infections at Sherbrooke University.
Carignan said an infection was expected, but not so soon.
If not treated, the disease can lead to amputations, hearing loss and brain damage.
The infected patient in the Eastern Townships was treated with doxycycline, the same antibiotic used for Lyme disease, and Carignan said she responded well to the treatment.
