Despite its name, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever is endemic to which area?

Despite its name, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever is endemic to which area?

• A. East Coast
• B. West Coast
• C. Midwest
• D. Southwest

Answer: (A)

RMSF shows a mismatch between its name and where it most often occurs. The disease is transmitted by Dermacentor ticks and is most commonly reported in the southeastern United States, along and near the East Coast, not in the Rocky Mountain region. The historical name comes from early recognition in the Rocky Mountains, but epidemiology shows higher incidence in the Southeast and along parts of the East Coast. Among the options, the East Coast best fits the area where RMSF is endemic. The West Coast and Southwest are not typical endemic zones, and while there are cases in various regions, they are far less common than in the Southeast.

RMSF shows a mismatch between its name and where it most often occurs. The disease is transmitted by Dermacentor ticks and is most commonly reported in the southeastern United States, along and near the East Coast, not in the Rocky Mountain region. The historical name comes from early recognition in the Rocky Mountains, but epidemiology shows higher incidence in the Southeast and along parts of the East Coast. Among the options, the East Coast best fits the area where RMSF is endemic. The West Coast and Southwest are not typical endemic zones, and while there are cases in various regions, they are far less common than in the Southeast.