CDC warns of deadly Rocky Mountain spotted fever outbreak, three dead and two hospitalized

Three people have died and two have been hospitalized in Southern California after an outbreak of Rocky Mountain spotted fever, a tickborne disease. All five cases occurred since July, and those affected had visited Tecate, Baja California. The CDC is urging anyone with symptoms to start treatment immediately without waiting for test results. Rocky Mountain spotted fever is transmitted through the bite of an infected tick and can be deadly if not treated early. Precautions such as using insect repellent and wearing protective clothing can help prevent tick bites.