Which of the following is a common vector of human disease in Ohio?

Ticks are recognized as a common vector of human disease in Ohio because they are known to transmit several diseases that can seriously affect human health. Among the most concerning diseases associated with ticks in Ohio are Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. These diseases are transmitted through the bites of infected ticks, and given the prevalence of tick populations in wooded and grassy areas in the region, the risk of encountering them during outdoor activities is significant.

Ticks are ectoparasites that feed on the blood of mammals, birds, and sometimes reptiles and amphibians. Their life cycles include several stages (larva, nymph, and adult), and they can attach to hosts indiscriminately, which increases the likelihood of disease transmission. Public health awareness campaigns often emphasize the importance of tick prevention measures, such as using repellents and conducting tick checks after outdoor activities, to mitigate this risk. This situational prevalence makes ticks a key focus in vector control efforts in Ohio.

In contrast, while other pests like termites, mice, and bedbugs can pose problems related to property damage or nuisance, they are not primarily categorized as vectors for human diseases like ticks are. Therefore, ticks emerge as the most prominent concern regarding disease transmission in the context of this