Final answer:
Lyme disease is transmitted to humans through vector transmission by the bite of infected deer ticks. Preventative measures and early treatment with antibiotics like doxycycline are crucial to manage the risk and effects of the disease.
Step-by-step explanation:
Transmission of Lyme Disease
The means of transmission for Lyme disease is through a process known as vector transmission. The causative agent, the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi, is transmitted to humans by the bite of infected ticks, specifically the deer tick (Ixodes scapularis, in the eastern U.S., and Ixodes pacificus along the Pacific coast). Ticks attach to hard-to-see areas of the body like the scalp, armpit, and groin, and their saliva contains an anesthetic substance that makes bites often go unnoticed. The transmission process is akin to that of malaria, where the mosquito acts as the vector.
Additionally, not all deer ticks are carriers of the Lyme disease pathogen, and the likelihood of infection varies with the type of host upon which the tick has fed. White-footed mice are more likely to harbor infected ticks than deer. Preventative measures against tick bites include using insect repellant, wearing protective clothing, and regularly checking for ticks after outdoor activities as prompt tick removal can significantly decrease infection risk. The suggested treatment for Lyme disease is typically antibiotics, such as doxycycline.