Which Ixodes pacificus life stage causes the majority of Lyme disease transmissions?
Answer
Nymph
The nymph stage of the Western Blacklegged Tick is statistically responsible for the highest percentage of human Lyme disease transmissions. This heightened risk is directly attributable to the extremely small physical size of the nymph, which is often comparable to a poppy seed. Because of this minuscule size, nymphs are notoriously difficult for humans and pets to detect when they attach and begin feeding. The activity period for nymphs peaks generally from late winter through late spring and extends into early summer, which coincides with increased outdoor activity among humans, creating a significant window of high transmission potential during this specific seasonal window.
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