About Colorado Tick Fever

Key points

  • Colorado tick fever is primarily spread by the bite of an infected tick.
  • Symptoms can include fever, chills, headache, body aches, and feeling tired.
  • There are no vaccines to prevent or medicines to treat Colorado tick fever.
  • You can reduce your risk of infection by avoiding ticks.
Woman hiking in mountains

Overview

Colorado tick fever is a rare viral disease primarily spread by the bite of an infected Rocky Mountain wood tick found in the western United States and western Canada.

The most common symptoms are fever, chills, headache, body aches, and feeling tired. Most people who become ill have mild disease and recover completely. However, weakness and fatigue may last several weeks. In rare cases, some patients may develop more severe illness that affects the central nervous system.

There are no vaccines to prevent or medicines to treat Colorado tick fever. Reduce your risk of infection from Colorado tick fever virus by preventing tick bites.

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Content Source:
National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases (NCEZID)