Sickness caused by ticks can include Lyme disease, Babesiosis, Ehrlichiosis, Anaplasmosis, Powassan virus disease, Tularemia, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF), Borrelia Miyamotoi disease, and Borrelia Mayonii disease.
Other possible tick-borne diseases may include Southern Tick-associated rash illness, Colorado tick fever, Q fever, and Powassan encephalitis.
This article explores the diseases transmitted by Lyme ticks.
Diseases Caused By Ticks
Among the various types of ticks available, not all of them usually spread diseases. Nonetheless, it helps to safeguard against possible tick bites. The most common ticks people encounter include:
- The American dog tick (wood tick)
- The black-legged tick (deer tick).
The common diseases transmitted by these parasites include:
- Lyme disease is a possible serious bacterial infection caused by Borrelia Burgdorferi. It affects both humans and animals. Over the years, the number of cases of Lyme disease has continued to rise.
- Babesiosis: This is a less common protozoan infection. Around 20 percent of patients with Babesiosis also tend to have Lyme disease.
- Ehrlichiosis: This is a less common illness caused by Ehrlichia chaffeensis. Since 2009, when Ehrlichiosis resulting from Ehrlichia muris subspecies eauclairensis was first reported, only a few cases have surfaced.
- Anaplasmosis: Initially known as human granulocytic Ehrlichiosis (HGE), this bacterial disease is passed to humans by black-legged ticks (deer ticks). The same ticks spread Lyme disease; however, Anaplasmosis is less common.
- Powassan virus disease This tick-borne flavivirus was first reported in 2008 from a Minnesota resident. However, low cases have been reported in the state and other parts of the US since then.
- Tularemia is a possibly serious illness caused by ticks. It’s transmitted by the bacterium Francisella Tularensis and can be spread by American dog ticks, biting flies, or even an infected animal. However, human cases of tularemia are quite rare.
- Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF): Transmitted by the American dog tick, RMSF is a rare disease, with only a few cases reported within the state of Minnesota.
- Borrelia Miyamotoi disease: This disease was reported in 2011. It causes an illness in humans similar to tick-borne relapsing fever. The bacteria is somehow related to the one that causes Lyme disease. To date, only a small number of cases have been reported from the Upper Midwest and Northeastern states.
- Borrelia Mayonii disease: Identified in 2013, Borrelia Mayonii causes an illness closely related to Lyme disease. To date, the disease has only been detected in patients exposed to black-legged ticks.
Conclusion
Ticks cause different diseases. Some are common, while others are rare. Outdoor workers operating at sites with ticks are at a higher risk of exposure to tick-borne illnesses. Areas with bushes, woods, long grasses, or leaves may contain more ticks. In most parts of the US, ticks are active in the spring, summer, and fall. However, they may be active all year round in the warmer regions. If you contract Lyme disease or any of the tick-borne diseases, ensure you have a good health insurance policy to cover your treatment costs.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your general physician or another certified medical professional for any questions regarding a medical condition. Relying on any information provided in this blog is solely at your own risk, and ICICI Lombard is not responsible for any effects or consequences resulting from the use of the information shared.
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