Tick-borne illnesses are on the rise in Tennessee.  Doctors are wondering why so many cases of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever are being reported, 328 cases statewide as of Tuesday. Experts are warning people to make certain they wear protective repellant to ward off ticks and to check skin and clothing for ticks every day.  Rocky Mountain spotted fever remains a serious and potentially life-threatening infectious disease. Despite the availability of effective treatment and advances in medical care, approximately three to five percent of patients who become ill with Rocky Mountain spotted fever die from the infection