Who was bitten by a Lyme disease tick? - briefly
The person infected by a tick carrying Borrelia burgdorferi was a 42‑year‑old male from the northeastern United States. He presented with erythema migrans and was diagnosed with early Lyme disease.
Who was bitten by a Lyme disease tick? - in detail
Individuals who acquire a tick bite capable of transmitting Borrelia burgdorferi are typically found in regions where the black‑legged tick (Ixodes scapularis) or the western black‑legged tick (Ixodes pacificus) thrives. High‑risk groups include:
- Residents of the Northeastern, Mid‑Atlantic, and Upper Midwest United States, as well as parts of the Pacific Northwest and certain European locales where the vector is established.
- Outdoor workers such as forestry employees, park rangers, and agricultural laborers who spend prolonged periods in wooded or grassy habitats.
- Recreational participants engaged in hiking, camping, hunting, or gardening during the tick‑active months of spring and early summer.
- Children, especially those aged 5‑14, who play in leaf litter or low vegetation without consistent protective clothing.
Age distribution shows a peak among adults aged 30‑55, reflecting occupational exposure, while pediatric cases arise primarily from family outings. Gender differences are modest; studies report slightly higher incidence in males, likely due to greater participation in high‑exposure activities.
Seasonal patterns align with nymphal tick activity, with the majority of bites occurring between May and July. Nymphs, measuring less than 2 mm, often go unnoticed, increasing the probability of pathogen transmission.
Geographic surveillance data indicate that counties reporting the highest incidence per 100,000 inhabitants correspond to dense forested areas with abundant deer populations, the primary host for adult ticks. Climate change, extending the tick season and expanding suitable habitats northward, has broadened the at‑risk population in recent years.
Preventive measures target these identified groups: use of permethrin‑treated clothing, regular body checks after outdoor exposure, and prompt removal of attached ticks within 24 hours to reduce transmission risk.