Meet the Hero Doctor Battling the Deadly Rise of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
At the heart of this fight is Dr. Laura Backus, an Assistant Professor of One Health at CalPoly. Dr. Backus's teaching and research focus on the intricate relationship between human, animal, and environmental health. Her dedication and tireless efforts place her at the forefront of understanding and combating RMSF.
The Rising Menace: Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever Expands its Reach
Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF), a severe tick-borne illness, is not just a local health issue but a growing concern across the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. This disease, caused by the bacterium Rickettsia rickettsii, is transmitted by the brown dog tick and can lead to fatal outcomes if not treated promptly with antibiotics. The resurgence of RMSF highlights significant public health challenges, intertwining human and animal health and underscoring the need for a comprehensive One Health approach.