Lyme disease is caused by a bacteria (Borrelia burgdorferi) which is transmitted by ticks. It may be cured by early diagnosis and appropriate antibiotic treatment, but it may persist in the human body for years, if not properly treated. Lyme disease was named for Old Lyme, Connecticut, where the first cases of Lyme disease were reported. The first case in California was reported in 1978. It is currently the most commonly reported tick-borne disease in California, as well as in the United States.
Tularemia, rabbit or deerfly fever, is a relatively rare bacterial disease transmitted to humans and animals by the bite of ticks. It is much less common that Lyme disease in California and is primarily transmitted by summer ticks, the American dog tick (Dermacentor variablis). It may be cured by early diagnosis and appropriate antibiotic treatment.
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF) is a bacterial disease (Rickettsia rickettsii) transmitted by ticks of the genus Dermacentor. These ticks are most common during spring and summer. Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever is very rare in San Mateo County.
How is Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever transmitted?
RMSF is transmitted through the bite of an infected tick.
