This book tells the story of one of the deadliest infectious diseases known: Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Originating as an emerging infectious disease on the western frontier that killed up to 90 percent of infected persons, Rocky Mountain spotted fever is caused by a curious organism, Rickettsia rickettsii. ""Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever"" explains what a rickettsia is, how it lives in nature, and how, when, and where ticks transmit the bacteria to humans. The features of the disease and its potential cures are described in language accessible to persons with little scientific background, making this book a terrific resource for the general reader.