What is the primary cause of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever?

The primary cause of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever is bacteria spread by ticks, specifically the bacterium Rickettsia rickettsii. This disease is transmitted to humans through the bites of infected ticks, which are often found in wooded and grassy areas. After the tick bites, the bacteria enter the bloodstream and can lead to various symptoms, including fever, rash, and muscle aches.

This understanding of transmission is crucial for prevention strategies, which involve avoiding tick-infested areas, using repellents, and performing tick checks after outdoor activities. The other options, such as viruses spread by mosquitoes, fungi in contaminated water, and parasites from animal bites, do not relate to Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, illustrating the importance of recognizing the specific pathogens and vectors responsible for different diseases.