Family and friends of a 2-year-old IN girl are hoping to raise awareness after she died Saturday morning of what doctors believe to be a tick-borne illness.
She was taken to the emergency room twice for strep throat and released.
While Kenley's family is still waiting for the autopsy results to confirm the cause of death, doctors told them they believe Kenley had contracted Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
Katie Underhill died after a five-week battle with Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.
Ratliff's mother, through Kirby, wanted to warn other families to always check for ticks not only on their children but also their pets at home.
"Her mother and father can not believe that she is gone that their baby girl is gone now", she said. In addition to the temperature, the toddler suffered from a brain infection and swollen hands.
The family of an IN toddler who died on Sunday is warning other parents about the devastating potential of tick bites.
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"She would be devastated to see this happen to anyone else", Kirby said.
"She had purple rashes, splotches, all over her body", Kirby told WISH. "At this time of year, "Fight the Bite" strategies are essential in reducing risk of infection and in preventing the potential spread of disease in communities". If not treated right away with antibiotics, there is a high death rate associated with the disease.
The warm winter has meant more ticks, and officials with the Metro Public Health Department have tips to keep you and your family safe and sound.
After being outdoors, experts advise checking your body for ticks, especially the scalp area.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it's a tick borne disease which causes a bacterial infection. "They gave her more antibiotics".
"If at the end of the day, you bathe or shower with a washcloth, you pretty much dislodge any tick that is not yet attached", Sood said. "But if we can save other children's lives, and if we can educate other parents on checking for ticks, and if we can raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of Rocky Mountain spotted fever, because we had no idea".
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