Certified in Public Health (CPH) Practice Exam

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and Lyme Disease are transmitted by which of the following?

1. Mosquitoes

2. Polluted water

3. Contaminated food

4. Ticks

The correct answer is: Ticks

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and Lyme Disease are both illnesses caused by bacteria that are primarily transmitted to humans through the bite of infected ticks. Specifically, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever is often carried by the American dog tick and the Rocky Mountain wood tick, while Lyme Disease is primarily transmitted by the black-legged tick, also known as the deer tick. Understanding the transmission routes of these diseases is crucial for public health, as effective awareness and prevention strategies can be developed to reduce the risk of infection. Ticks thrive in certain environments, and educating the public about where ticks may be found and how to protect themselves can greatly assist in preventing these diseases. In contrast, options such as mosquitoes, polluted water, and contaminated food do not play a role in the transmission of these specific diseases, as they are not vectors for the pathogens responsible for Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and Lyme Disease.