Lyme Disease is an infection caused by a spirochete [spy’-ro-keet], which is a type of bacteria. The disease is carried primarily by “Black-Legged Ticks” (also commonly known as “deer ticks”), and can be transmitted to both animals and humans through tick bites.In New Jersey, this tick is primarily responsible for the spread of Lyme disease.

Rabies is a deadly disease caused by a virus which can infect all warm-blooded mammals, including man. The virus is found in the saliva of a rabid animal and is transmitted by a bite, or possibly by contamination of an open cut. New Jersey is enzootic for raccoon and bat variants of rabies. Bats, raccoons, skunks, groundhogs, foxes, cats, and dogs represent about 95% of animals diagnosed with rabies in the United States. Left untreated, rabies attacks the nervous system and causes death.

What is the basic transmission cycle of WNV?
Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on infected birds, which may circulate the virus in their blood for a few days. After a short incubation period, the infected mosquito can then transmit WNV to humans and animals when biting to take blood.

NJ FamilyCare is federal and state funded health insurance program created to help qualified New Jersey residents of any age access to affordable health insurance. NJ FamilyCare is for people who do not have employer insurance.