Lyme Disease in the Pacific Northwest

Transmitted by ticks, Lyme disease is a zoonotic infectious disease that can cause debilitating long-term illness throughout the whole body that may affect many communities. This disease is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, carried by a biological vector known as the Ixodes tick. In the United States, Lyme disease has been primarily found in the Northeast via the Ixodes scapularis, commonly known as the “deer tick.” Along the West Coast of the United States, many people are unaware they and their pets are consistently exposed to this disease in their environment. The Ixodes pacificus has been found in all but two counties in California. Across the Pacific Northwest, the Ixodes pacificus tick, known as the “western black-legged tick,” carries the same bacterium as its distant relative. The current literature review will demonstrate the difference between the two vectors to promote education about recognizing a tick and Lyme disease in the Pacific Northwest. The public may be unaware of the dangers due to a lack of knowledge and education regarding the same. The ability to recognize a tick on a family member, yourself, or pet before it is too late could be the difference between maintaining good health and a painful long-term systemic disease.