Rocky Mountain spotted fever cases on the rise.(Infectious Diseases)(Clinical report) From: Internal Medicine News | Date: December 15, 2007| Author: Brunk, Doug | COPYRIGHT 2007 International Medical News Group. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan.  All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group.Copyright information

SAN DIEGO -- Cases of Rocky Mountain spotted fever increased nearly threefold between 2001 and 2005, John Openshaw reported at the annual meeting of the Infectious Diseases Society of America.

The rising number of suburban homes that encroach on rural areas is one possible reason for the spike in reported cases. "Increased physician awareness and increased surveillance efforts are [also] involved," Mr. Openshaw said during a press briefing. "The true explanation is likel...