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Overview

Tick-borne pathogens are able to infect humans when a tick carrying them bites a person. Different pathogens may be carried by a tick, including: bacteria, viruses, or parasites. Usually each kind of tick is associated with a specific pathogen. According to this, patients will present different symptoms and a different treatment will be required. Some ticks are more common in certain areas of the United States, however some populations of these may be found in other areas. People who work outdoors, particularly in areas with vegetation, are at higher risk of being bitten by a tick carrying a pathogen, especially during warm seasons.

Tick-borne diseases

Less Common in the US

Colorado tick fever, Powassan encephalitis, and Q fever.

Risk Factors

Which workers are at risk of infection?

All outdoor workers should check with their supervisor if they have questions about possible exposure to ticks. Workers at risk of tick-borne diseases include, but are not limited to, those working in the following:

Construction Landscaping Forestry Brush clearing Land surveying Farming Railroad work Oil field work Utility line work Park or wildlife management Other outdoor work When are workers at risk of infection?

Ticks are usually more active in the months of April through October and peak in the summer months of June through August. The time of year when ticks are active may vary with the geographic region and climate. Outdoor workers should be extra careful to protect themselves in the late spring and summer when immature ticks are most active.