Boy misdiagnosed with a “rash” – now mother warns of hidden tick disease

As global temperatures continue to rise annually, the prevalence of insects and ticks is also increasing. A study conducted in the United States indicates that diseases transmitted by ticks have surged threefold over the past 15 years.

Despite repeated recommendations from experts to wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts, adhering to this advice can be challenging during the sweltering summer months. Additionally, remaining indoors is not a viable option, as the allure of sunny weather and warm temperatures after a harsh winter is difficult to resist.

Nevertheless, it is crucial to exercise caution. The experience of five-year-old Mason McNair serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers. Unfortunately, incidents like his are more prevalent than one might assume and can lead to even more severe outcomes.

Mason’s ordeal began while he was enjoying time outdoors with his grandparents. After their outing, his grandmother discovered a tick lodged in his navel while bathing him at home. Although she successfully removed the tick, the area remained red and swollen. A visit to the doctor resulted in a prescription for antibiotics, but Mason’s condition deteriorated.

He developed a rash, experienced fever, and suffered from stomach pains. “It really just looked like heat rash. We had been outside that weekend; it was really hot,” recounted Danielle McNair, Mason’s mother. However, the rash quickly spread, covering significant portions of his body. The family doctor reassured them that there was no cause for concern, attributing the red spots to a delayed reaction to the antibiotics.

Unsatisfied with this explanation, Danielle began conducting her own research online and reached out to her sister, a veterinarian, for further insight.
Ultimately, the concerned mother insisted that the physician assist in diagnosing the tick-borne illness she firmly believed her son was suffering from.

Danielle was convinced that Mason had contracted Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF).

A tick bite can lead to various diseases, including borrelia and TBE. Studies have indicated that ticks are also responsible for RMSF, an infection akin to borrelia.

This was precisely the illness that young Mason had acquired.

The symptoms of RMSF encompass fever, headache, and rash—all of which aligned with the boy’s condition.

Regrettably, RMSF is not as widely recognized as borrelia and TBE, leading many to overlook its symptoms and miss the diagnosis.

Geographically diverse
Despite its name, RMSF is not confined to mountainous regions. It has been identified in numerous locations across America and around the globe.

Patients diagnosed with RMSF require a specific type of antibiotic treatment.

Danielle is now sharing her and her son’s journey to enhance awareness of this potentially life-threatening disease.

“If I hadn’t conducted my own research and persisted, we would be facing a vastly different situation with my son. That thought is terrifying,” she remarks.

It is fortunate that this determined mother sought to uncover the true nature of her son’s ailment.

In June 2017, a two-year-old girl succumbed to the same illness after her doctor failed to provide an accurate diagnosis.

Dr. Paige Armstrong, a Medical Epidemiologist at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, notes that children often exhibit atypical symptoms when affected by this disease.

“Protect your child”
This is likely a significant factor contributing to the frequent misdiagnosis in children. Danielle is now dedicated to raising awareness.

“I aim to empower parents to always advocate for their children. Use your own voice and certainly conduct your own research. Doctors are human too, and that does not imply they possess all the answers,” she emphasizes.

Today, Mason has made a full recovery, thanks to Danielle’s pursuit of the correct diagnosis before it was too late.