Tick-borne Rocky Mountain spotted fever spreading in Canada – CBC

Potentially deadly disease already found in Ontario and Quebec this year

Aug 20, 2025

Quebec has reported its first case of the potentially deadly tick-borne disease Rocky Mountain spotted fever. The disease has also been reported in dogs in Ontario.
Here’s what you need to know about preventing, identifying and treating the disease.

What is Rocky Mountain spotted fever?
Rocky Mountain spotted fever is a disease caused by the bacteria Rickettsia ricketssiae. Symptoms in humans can include fever, headache, nausea or vomiting, stomach pain, muscle pain and lack of appetite.

The disease is named for the red rash that develops two to four days after the fever begins. The rash can range from pinpoint dots to red splotches.

The disease can be treated with the common antibiotic doxycyclone, and most people make a full recovery.

Read more: https://www.cbc.ca/news/science/rocky-mountain-spotted-fever-quebec-1.7613399