Who has contracted borreliosis from a tick? - briefly
Individuals bitten by ticks infected with Borrelia burgdorferi—such as hikers, campers, forestry workers, and children playing outdoors in endemic areas—can contract Lyme disease.
Who has contracted borreliosis from a tick? - in detail
Individuals infected with Lyme disease after a tick bite include people of all ages, but incidence peaks in specific groups. Children, particularly those aged 5‑15, experience higher rates because outdoor play increases exposure to infected nymphal ticks. Adolescents and young adults also show elevated numbers due to recreational activities such as hiking, camping, and hunting.
Adults engaged in occupations that require frequent contact with wooded or grassy environments are at heightened risk. Forestry workers, park rangers, landscapers, agricultural laborers, and military personnel conducting field operations frequently encounter tick habitats and therefore report a disproportionate number of cases.
Geographic location strongly influences infection patterns. Residents of the northeastern United States, the Upper Midwest, and parts of the Pacific Northwest encounter the highest prevalence of Borrelia‑infected ticks. Similar trends appear in central and northern Europe, especially in Germany, Austria, and the Baltic states, where the primary vector, Ixodes ricinus, thrives. In Asia, the species Ixodes persulcatus transmits the pathogen in Siberia, Japan, and parts of China, leading to localized clusters of cases.
Certain health conditions increase susceptibility. Immunocompromised individuals, including patients undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, and those with HIV/AIDS, may develop more severe or disseminated disease after a bite. Additionally, individuals with delayed removal of an attached tick are more likely to acquire the infection, as transmission risk rises sharply after 36‑48 hours of attachment.
Behavioral factors contribute to exposure. Lack of protective clothing, failure to perform regular tick checks after outdoor activities, and neglecting the use of repellents or permethrin‑treated garments all raise the probability of infection. Education on preventive measures correlates with reduced incidence in communities that implement systematic awareness programs.
Key categories of affected persons
- Children (5‑15 years) – frequent outdoor play
- Adolescents and young adults – recreational exposure
- Outdoor‑oriented workers (forestry, landscaping, park services)
- Military personnel in field assignments
- Residents of endemic regions (northeastern US, Upper Midwest, Pacific Northwest, central/northern Europe, parts of Asia)
- Immunocompromised patients
- Individuals with prolonged tick attachment or inadequate preventive practices
These groups collectively represent the majority of documented Lyme disease cases resulting from tick bites.