What health risks are posed by ticks in California?

Ticks in California pose significant health risks primarily through their ability to transmit Lyme disease and other infectious diseases. These tiny arachnids are capable of carrying various pathogens, including the bacteria responsible for Lyme disease, as well as other illnesses such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever and babesiosis. When ticks latch onto humans, they can transfer these pathogens, leading to serious health complications.

Understanding this transmission is crucial, particularly for individuals who live in or visit areas where ticks are prevalent, such as grassy or wooded regions. Awareness of the diseases ticks can convey underscores the importance of preventive measures, such as wearing protective clothing and using insect repellents, to reduce the risk of tick bites and subsequent infection.

In contrast, the other options minimize the potential danger ticks pose. Allergic reactions, while possible, are not the primary health risk associated with tick bites. Statements suggesting that ticks are mainly harmless or only a risk to animals fail to recognize the significant threats they present to human health, particularly as they are vectors for serious diseases affecting people.