Which disease is most commonly transmitted by the deer tick in Ohio?

Lyme disease is the most commonly transmitted disease by the deer tick, also known as the black-legged tick, in Ohio. This tick is a primary vector for the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, which causes Lyme disease. In areas where deer ticks are prevalent, especially wooded or grassy environments, there is a higher risk of encountering these ticks and potentially contracting Lyme disease.

Other diseases mentioned, such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever, are transmitted by different types of ticks, specifically the American dog tick, which is not the primary concern when discussing deer ticks. West Nile Virus and Zika virus, on the other hand, are primarily transmitted by mosquitoes, not ticks, making them unrelated to the risk posed by deer ticks. Understanding the specific vectors and the diseases associated with them is crucial for effective prevention and awareness regarding tick-borne illnesses.