Tick-borne disease found in O.C.

[Snowy Owl]

Tick-borne disease found in O.C.

Rocky Mountain spotted fever still considered rare here.

www.ocregister.com/ocregister/news/local/alisoviejo/article_1646744.php
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By PAT BRENNAN
The Orange County Register

ALISO VIEJO ? A tick carrying Rocky Mountain spotted fever has been found in Orange County, animal disease-trackers say, and while the illness is likely still rare in the county they are urging caution for hikers and mountain bikers.

The Pacific coast tick, one of two common varieties that can carry the disease, was found Jan. 29 in Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park, said Mike Hearst, spokesman for the Orange County Vector Control District ? part of the agency's routine surveillance of ticks and other creatures.

It was sent out for lab analysis, and positive results came back Mar. 30. It was one of 87 ticks collected over about a month throughout the county.

The disease, which causes rashes and flu-like symptoms and, in a small number of cases, can be fatal, is considered rare in the county; the last human case was 15 years ago, Hearst said.

And ticks must feed for four to six hours before they can pass on the disease. Still, he said people who hike or bike in county wilderness parks should check for ticks and, if they become ill after a tick bite, consult their doctors.