Diagnosis and Testing

The signs and symptoms of RMSF are similar to those of many other diseases. See your health care provider if you develop any of the signs or symptoms of RMSF.
Be sure to tell your health care provider if you become ill and have recently been bitten by a tick or have spent time in areas where ticks may be found.
Your health care provider may order certain blood tests to look for evidence of RMSF.
The results of these tests can take weeks. If your health care provider thinks your illness might be RMSF, he or she should recommend antibiotic treatment before test results are available.