Final answer:
North American dog ticks can transmit the serious infection Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF), characterized by meningoencephalitis. Option A.
Step-by-step explanation:
North American dog ticks, such as the American dog tick (Dermacentor variabilis), are known vectors for several diseases, one of which is Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF). RMSF is a severe infection caused by the bacterium Rickettsia rickettsii. These ticks can transmit R. rickettsii to humans through their bites.
This disease is characterized by a potentially life-threatening form of meningoencephalitis, which is the inflammation of the brain and its surrounding membranes. Symptoms of RMSF include fever, headache, abdominal pain, vomiting, and muscle pain.
A distinctive petechial rash may also develop, starting at the wrists and ankles and then spreading to the trunk.
While there are other types of encephalitis such as eastern equine encephalitis, western equine encephalitis, West Nile encephalitis, and Japanese encephalitis, these are not commonly associated with North American dog tick bites.
So Option a is correct.