Ticks

TickDimeScaled.jpg

Ticks are notorious vectors of disease, posing significant health risks to humans. These tiny arachnids latch onto their hosts, including mammals, birds, and reptiles, to feed on blood. Through their bites, ticks can transmit a variety of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Lyme disease, caused by the bacterium *Borrelia burgdorferi*, is one of the most well-known illnesses spread by ticks, characterized by fever, joint pain, and neurological problems if left untreated. Other tick-borne diseases include Rocky Mountain spotted fever, babesiosis, and anaplasmosis, each presenting distinct symptoms and potential complications. Given their ability to thrive in diverse environments and their increasing geographic range, ticks remain a persistent concern for public health, necessitating vigilance in prevention and timely medical intervention.