Sandbox john3

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.

Risk Factors

People who work outdoors, particularly in highly vegetated areas, are at higher risk of being bitten by a tick and therefore of contracting a tick-borne disease. Some jobs who are at particular higher risk are:

• Construction
• Landscaping
• Forestry
• Brush clearing
• Land surveying
• Farming
• Railroad work
• Oil field work
• Utility line work
• Park or wildlife management
• Other outdoor work

This risk is highest during warm seasons, usually from April through October, when ticks are more active.