Bite results in amputations for boy

(Tulsa-AP) -- A 6-year-old Monroe boy who contracted Rocky Mountain spotted fever underwent amputations on both his legs, and both his hands. <br><br>Tommy Carlson is in serious condition at Saint Francis

Thursday, August 3rd 2000, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Tulsa-AP) -- A 6-year-old Monroe boy who contracted Rocky Mountain spotted fever underwent amputations on both his legs, and both his hands.

Tommy Carlson is in serious condition at Saint Francis Hospital in Tulsa, where he's been since early July. Doctors say Carlson is off the ventilator and life support and they say he could remain hospitalized for almost another month. Carlson will need pediatric rehabilitation.

Nancy Carlson says when her son first got sick he broke out with bumps. She thought he had measles or mumps. Nancy Carlson says doctors originally diagnosed Tommy with hand, foot and mouth disease. But his condition worsened and he was admitted to the hospital.

Oklahoma ranks second behind North Carolina for the number of tick-borne illnesses caused by Rocky Mountain spotted fever. The state averages 30 to 35 reported cases of the illness annually.