Associate Safety Professional Practice Exam

How is Rocky Mountain spotted fever primarily transmitted?

1. Through contaminated water

2. By tick bites

3. By inhalation of infected dust

4. Through contact with infected animals

The correct answer is: By tick bites

Rocky Mountain spotted fever is primarily transmitted by tick bites, specifically from infected ticks belonging to the genus Rickettsia. These ticks, such as the American dog tick, the Rocky Mountain wood tick, and the brown dog tick, carry the bacteria responsible for the disease. When an infected tick bites a human, it can introduce the bacteria into the bloodstream, leading to the disease. This transmission route is crucial to understanding the nature of Rocky Mountain spotted fever, especially for individuals who may be at risk due to outdoor activities in tick-prone areas. The effectiveness of preventive measures, such as wearing protective clothing and using insect repellent, relies heavily on this knowledge of how the disease is spread. This understanding highlights the importance of public health initiatives aimed at educating people about tick-borne diseases and their prevention.