Tick-borne diseases
Tick-borne diseases
Tick-borne diseases (pronunciation: /tɪk bɔːrn diːziːz/) are infectious diseases that are transmitted to humans and animals through the bite of infected ticks.
Etymology
The term "tick-borne" comes from the English words "tick", referring to the small arachnid, and "borne", an old form of "bear", meaning to carry or transmit. The term thus refers to diseases that are carried or transmitted by ticks.
Types of Tick-borne diseases
There are several types of tick-borne diseases, including:
- Lyme disease: This is the most common tick-borne disease in the Northern Hemisphere. It is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi and is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected black-legged ticks.
- Rocky Mountain spotted fever: This disease is caused by the bacterium Rickettsia rickettsii and is transmitted to humans by the bite of infected ticks. Symptoms include fever, headache, abdominal pain, vomiting, and muscle pain.
- Tularemia: Also known as rabbit fever, this disease is caused by the bacterium Francisella tularensis and can be transmitted to humans through the bite of infected ticks.
- Babesiosis: This is a malaria-like parasitic disease caused by infection with Babesia, a genus of protozoa. It is transmitted to humans by the bite of infected ticks.
- Anaplasmosis: This disease is caused by the bacterium Anaplasma phagocytophilum and is transmitted to humans by the bite of infected ticks.
Prevention
Prevention of tick-borne diseases primarily involves avoiding contact with ticks, especially in wooded and grassy areas. This can be achieved by wearing long sleeves and trousers, using insect repellent, and checking for ticks after being in tick-infested areas.
Treatment
Treatment for tick-borne diseases usually involves antibiotics. In severe cases, hospitalization may be required.
See also
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