CDC puts out travel advisory for Mexico, citing reports of 'Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever'

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) issued a travel advisory for Mexico, citing reports of Rocky Mountain spotted fever.

“There have been reports of Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) in people traveling to the United States from Tecate, in the state of Baja California, Mexico,” the advisory released on Friday reads. 

The agency said that the disease has been found in states in northern Mexico such as Baja California, Sonora and Chihuahua, but is not exclusive to them. 

The CDC also noted that people should check themselves for ticks, use insect repellent and seek medical attention if they or a family member “has traveled to Tecate or another city in northern Mexico and develops symptoms during travel or within 2 weeks of returning to the United States.”

Symptoms of RMSF include headache, rash and fever, The Hill reports. 

"The disease can rapidly progress and be deadly if not treated early with the recommended antibiotic,” the CDC said in the advisory. “Children younger than 10 years old are five times more likely than adults to die from RMSF.”