Which of the following diseases is transmitted by ticks?

Lyme disease is a well-known illness that is transmitted primarily through bites from infected ticks, particularly the black-legged tick (Ixodes scapularis) in the northeastern and north-central United States and the western black-legged tick (Ixodes pacificus) on the West Coast. The bacteria responsible for Lyme disease, Borrelia burgdorferi, are carried by these ticks and introduced into the bloodstream of the host during the tick's feeding process.

Understanding the biology and behavior of ticks is crucial for vector control, as it allows technicians to develop effective strategies for preventing tick bites and reducing the spread of Lyme disease. Key aspects include identifying high-risk areas, educating the public about protective measures, and managing the environments where ticks thrive.

The other options listed—dengue fever, tuberculosis, and malaria—are transmitted by different vectors. Dengue fever is primarily spread by mosquitoes, tuberculosis is a bacterial infection transmitted through the air, and malaria is also transmitted through mosquito bites. Thus, recognizing Lyme disease as a tick-borne illness is essential for vector control efforts and public health education concerning tick management and disease prevention.