Rocky Mountain spotted fever is a neglected tropical disease in Latin America

Abstract

Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF), a severe and extraordinarily lethal infectious disease, has emerged as a widespread public health crisis among predominantly vulnerable populations in several countries of Latin America, particularly evident in northern Mexico. Historically, RMSF has gained less attention than many other tropical infectious diseases, resulting in insufficient allocations of resources and development of capabilities for its prevention and control in endemic regions. We argue that RMSF fulfills accepted criteria for a neglected tropical disease (NTD). The relative neglect of RMSF in most Latin American countries contributes to disparities in morbidity and mortality witnessed in this region. By recognizing RMSF as an NTD, an increased public policy interest, equitable and more appropriate allocation of resources, scientific interest, and social participation can ameliorate the impact of this potentially treatable disease, particularly in vulnerable populations.

Fig 1. Clinical images of severe Rocky Mountain spotted fever in pediatric patients in northern Mexico.

A) Petechiae and ecchymotic lesions on the right upper extremity of a 1-year-old female patient from Sonora, Mexico. B) Extensive cutaneous necrosis on the left lower extremity of a 7-year-old female patient, from Sonora, Mexico. C) Confluent petechial rash involving the thorax, abdomen, and upper extremities of an 18-year-old male patient from Sonora, Mexico.