昆蟲的發育才分為完全變態和不完全變態。
Insect metamorphosis can be categorized into complete and incomplete metamorphosis.
恙蟎屬於蛛形綱，其發育過程屬於不完全變態，只有恙蟎的幼蟲會吸血，成蟲和若蟲則以其他方式獲取食物。
Chiggers, belonging to the Arachnida class, undergo incomplete metamorphosis. Only the larval stage of chiggers feeds on blood, while adults and nymphs obtain nutrients through other means.
被感染的恙蟎確實可以將病原體（立克次體）傳播給宿主，恙蟎是傳播恙蟲病的媒介，恙蟲病的臨床症狀包括發燒、頭痛、淋巴結腫大、皮疹等。與斑疹傷寒有些相似，因此容易混淆。如果不及時治療，可能導致嚴重併發症甚至死亡。
Infected chiggers can transmit pathogens (rickettsia) to their hosts. Chiggers are the primary vectors of scrub typhus, a disease characterized by fever, headache, lymphadenopathy, and rash. Due to similarities with typhus, these diseases can be easily confused. If left untreated, scrub typhus can lead to severe complications and even death.
恙蟎不是我們常說的藏在被子裡的塵蟎。 雖然它們都屬於節肢動物門，但種類和習性差異很大：
Chiggers should not be confused with dust mites, which are commonly found in bedding. Although both belong to the phylum Arthropoda, they differ significantly in terms of species and habits:
恙蟎主要棲息在草叢、樹林等野外環境，而塵蟎則主要生活在室內，以人的皮屑、毛髮等為食。
恙蟎是恙蟲病的病媒，而塵蟎則主要引起過敏反應，如鼻過敏、氣喘等。
恙蟎和塵蟎在形態上也有所不同，但肉眼不易分辨，需要顯微鏡觀察。
Chiggers primarily inhabit grassy areas, forests, and other outdoor environments, while dust mites live indoors and feed on human skin flakes and hair.
Chiggers are vectors of scrub typhus, whereas dust mites are the primary cause of allergic reactions such as rhinitis and asthma.
While chiggers and dust mites have distinct morphological features, they are difficult to differentiate with the naked eye and require microscopic examination.
預防恙蟎叮咬建議穿著長袖衣褲：減少皮膚裸露面積。
選擇含有DEET成分的防蚊液。
春夏季節避免在草叢中長時間停留。
回室內後儘快洗澡更衣，減少恙蟎附著在身上的機會。
To prevent chigger bites, it is recommended to:
Wear long-sleeved clothing and long pants to minimize exposed skin.
Use insect repellents containing DEET.
Avoid prolonged exposure to grassy areas, especially during the spring and summer months.
Shower and change clothes immediately after returning indoors to remove any attached chiggers.
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