Tickborne infections are the most important vector-borne diseases in the United States (US). Ticks can transmit a number of pathogenic organisms including bacteria, viruses, and protozoa. Most of these diseases have a distinct geographic area related to the tick(s) vector(s).
Because tickborne diseases are so difficult to diagnose, deaths and morbidity occur. Symptoms are non-specific and mimic influenza and other viral illnesses. When diagnosed, bacterial tickborne diseases can be treated effectively with doxycycline. Many of these diseases are increasing in incidence, and approximately only ten percent are identified and reported to the CDC or a public health department.
