You can get Rocky Mountain spotted fever from the American dog tick, Rocky Mountain wood tick, and brown dog tick. Despite the name, it’s most common in the Southeast. It usually starts with a bad headache and high fever. Most people then get a rash that starts on their ankles and wrists and spreads from there.
Doctors treat it with antibiotics. If it’s not treated, RMSF is life-threatening. It damages your small blood vessels, which can cause swelling in the brain, heart, and lungs.