Family Nurse Practitioner Exam

Rocky Mountain spotted fever is caused by which type of insect bite?

1. Mosquito

2. Tick

3. Insect

4. Flea

The correct answer is: Tick

Rocky Mountain spotted fever is transmitted primarily through the bite of infected ticks, particularly the American dog tick and the Rocky Mountain wood tick. These ticks carry the bacterium Rickettsia rickettsii, which is responsible for the disease. When an infected tick bites a human, the bacteria can enter the bloodstream, leading to the symptoms associated with Rocky Mountain spotted fever, such as fever, rash, and potential complications if not treated promptly. While other insects, such as mosquitoes and fleas, are involved in different diseases, they are not the vectors for Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Understanding the specific role ticks play in the transmission of this disease underscores the importance of tick prevention and control measures, especially in areas where the disease is prevalent.