Abstract:
Most people would correctly guess that Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF) originated somewhere in the Rocky Mountain region of the U.S. Even geographers, however, might be surprised to learn that the disease has long been insignificant in its region of origin, yet is increasingly prevalent in the southeast, particularly in North Carolina. This article examines the disease from a geographic perspective, looking at its history, cultural ecology, prevalence in North Carolina, and possible intervention.