Story highlights Kenley Ratliff was hospitalized last week with a mysterious illness

Doctors now suspect she died of Rocky Mountain spotted fever

(CNN) A 2-year-old Indianapolis girl died Sunday of what doctors suspect is Rocky Mountain spotted fever, a disease spread by ticks.

Her aunt, Jordan Clapp, described how Kenley Ratliff's illness began: "She started with a fever of 100.8. That was at the first hospital. We were advised to keep her hydrated and rested. Her fever went up to 104, so we went to a second hospital. They gave her more antibiotics."

Photos: Summer is bite season Photos: Summer is bite season Here is why you should be careful not to let ticks and insects -- such as mosquitoes and fleas -- bite you. Hide Caption 1 of 8 Photos: Summer is bite season Fleas and bees are among the most common summertime stings and bites—and are also among the most painful. Hide Caption 2 of 8 Photos: Summer is bite season The black widow's bite releases venom that causes chest pain and muscle cramps, which can usually be remedied with anti-venom or muscle relaxant. Hide Caption 3 of 8 Photos: Summer is bite season A brown recluse's venom can cause ulcers and rotting skin, wounds usually heal with proper care and cleaning. Hide Caption 4 of 8 Photos: Summer is bite season Four months after a brown recluse spider bite. Hide Caption 5 of 8 Photos: Summer is bite season If you don't remove a tick within 36 to 48 hours, you should get antibiotic treatment. Hide Caption 6 of 8 Photos: Summer is bite season A tick bite's telltale bull's-eye rash. Hide Caption 7 of 8 Photos: Summer is bite season Life-threatening allergic reactions to honey bee stings are rare but if you know you have such an allergy, carry an EpiPen at all times. Hide Caption 8 of 8

Kenley tested positive for strep throat and was given more antibiotics. But around day four or five, her fever hadn't dropped, and she was going limp. Light pink rashes also started popping up. Her mom, Kayla Conn, had to hold her head up.

It wasn't until another antibiotic was administered and those pink rashes turned dark purple-red that doctors at Riley Children's Hospital in Indianapolis thought Kenley might have Rocky Mountain spotted fever.

2 year-old Kenley Ratliff died Sunday of what doctors suspect is Rocky Mountain spotted fever.

The family had gone camping 10 days before Kenley's symptoms began and she was seen twice by other health care providers before she was seen at Riley, according to the hospital.

Read More