Colorado Tick Fever Cases Higher Than Expected

The Wyoming Department of Health is alerting state residents of a recent increase in reported Colorado tick fever cases. According to the Department of Health, five cases of Colorado tick fever have been identified in Wyoming so far this year, with four in Sublette County and one in Park County. Wyoming typically sees an average of two cases a year, with no reported cases in some years.

Courtney Tillman, an infectious disease epidemiologist with the Wyoming Department of Health, said Colorado tick fever spreads to people through bites of infected Rocky Mountain wood ticks. Symptoms develop 1 to 14 days after the bite and may include fever, chills, headache, body aches and feeling tired. Some people may experience a “biphasic” fever in which they have fever for a few days, feel better for several days, and then have another period of fever.

While symptoms can last for several weeks, most people do not experience severe illness. There is no specific treatment for Colorado tick fever. Tillman encouraged anyone concerned they may have Colorado tick fever to contact a healthcare provider. Many of the symptoms are shared by other illnesses, including COVID-19, so discussing potential exposure to ticks with medical professionals is recommended.