Tick-Borne and Vector-Borne Diseases Quiz

Tick-Borne Diseases in the Upper Midwestern and Northeastern US

• Lyme disease is the most commonly reported tick-borne disease in the Summer in the Upper Midwestern and Northeastern US.

Treatment of Tick-Borne Diseases

• When in doubt, the recommended treatment for a patient with relapsing fever is doxycycline.
• The recommended antibiotic treatment for Lyme disease is doxycycline.

Transmission of Lyme Disease

• The minimum duration of attachment required for the transmission of Lyme disease is 36 hours.

Risk Factors for Tick-Borne Diseases

• Common risk factors for tick-borne diseases include:
  • Outdoor activities (e.g. hiking, camping)
  • Living in areas with high tick populations
  • Not using insect repellent or protective clothing

Modes of Transmission for Tick-Borne Diseases

• Possible modes of transmission for tick-borne diseases include:
  • Through the bite of an infected tick
  • Through direct contact with infected animals (e.g. through a cut or scrape)

Manifestations of Lyme Disease

• A potential manifestation of Stage III (Chronic) Lyme disease is encephalitis (inflammation of the brain).
• Lyme disease can be confused with a viral syndrome in its early stages.
• The characteristic rash associated with Stage I (Acute) Lyme disease is erythema migrans (a circular, expanding rash).
• In Stage II (Subacute) Lyme disease, symptoms typically include joint pain and swelling, particularly in the knees.
• An untreated Lyme disease infection can potentially spread to the heart, joints, and nervous system.
• Tick bite allergic reactions typically appear within 2-3 hours of a tick bite.

Test your knowledge of tick-borne diseases and vector-borne illnesses with this quiz. Explore the definition, epidemiology, and risk factors associated with these diseases, focusing on the United States.