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What is the most common vector-borne disease in the United States?

  1. Malaria

  2. Yellow fever

  3. Lyme disease

  4. Rocky Mountain spotted fever

The correct answer is: Lyme disease

The most common vector-borne disease in the United States is Lyme disease. This disease is primarily transmitted to humans through bites from infected black-legged ticks, also known as deer ticks. Lyme disease manifests with symptoms such as fever, headache, fatigue, and a characteristic skin rash called erythema migrans. If left untreated, it can lead to more serious health issues affecting the joints, heart, and nervous system. In contrast to Lyme disease, malaria and yellow fever are not prevalent in the U.S. Malaria, while historically significant, has been largely eliminated in America due to effective public health interventions, though it does still occur in other parts of the world. Yellow fever is primarily seen in tropical regions and is prevented through vaccination. Rocky Mountain spotted fever, another tick-borne illness, is indeed serious and has high morbidity rates, but it occurs less frequently compared to Lyme disease. The incidence of Lyme disease continues to rise in various states, particularly in the northeastern and north-central regions, making it the most common vector-borne disease in the U.S.