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Anaplasmosis
Anaplasmosis is an illness spread by ticks infected with the bacteria Anaplasma phagocytophilum. These bacteria can be spread to humans by blacklegged ticks (Ixodes scapularis), also known as deer ticks.
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Babesiosis
What is Babesiosis? Babesiosis is caused by microscopic parasites that infect red blood cells. Babesia microti is the main species that has been found in people in the United States. How do people get infected with Babesia? The main route of transmission is through the bite of an infected tick. Babesia microti is spread by Ixodes scapularis ticks, which are commonly called
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Common Ticks
Although ticks are commonly thought of as insects, they are actually arachnids like scorpions, spiders and mites. All members of this group have four pairs of legs as adults and have no antennae. Adult insects have three pairs of legs and one pair of antennae. Ticks are among the most efficient carriers of disease because they attach firmly when sucking blood, feed slowly and
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Ehrlichiosis
What is ehrlichiosis? Ehrlichiosis is a disease of humans and animals caused by bacteria named Ehrlichia. The bacteria, which are transmitted by ticks, can infect certain types of white blood cells. Cases of ehrlichiosis have been confirmed in many states in this country, including Illinois. How do you get ehrlichiosis? The bacteria are transmitted to humans by the bite of an
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Lyme Disease
What is Lyme disease? Lyme disease is a bacterial disease transmitted by infected ticks. It was first recognized in the United States in 1975 after a mysterious outbreak of arthritis near Old Lyme, Connecticut. Since then, reports of Lyme disease have increased dramatically, and the disease has become an important public health problem. How does a person get Lyme disease? Lyme
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Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
What is Rocky Mountain spotted fever? Rocky Mountain spotted fever is an acute infectious disease transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected tick. The disease occurs throughout the United States during months when ground temperatures reach 40 degrees Fahrenheit or more and ticks are active. Who gets Rocky Mountain spotted fever? Both children and adults can be affected
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Tularemia
What is tularemia? Tularemia is a naturally occurring illness caused by a bacterium called Francisella tularensis. These bacteria can be found in certain animals (especially rodents, rabbits and hares). About 100 to 200 cases are reported every year in the United States. Tularemia can cause six different forms of disease; however, up to 80 percent of the cases are
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Vector Control & Surveillance
Vectors are insects, ticks, rats, mice, birds and other animals that transmit disease-producing organisms to humans. To prevent the human disease and discomfort caused by these vectors, IDPH provides technical information to local health departments, governments, mosquito abatement programs and the public on methods to monitor and control them. IDPH also awards annual grants
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