Anaplasmosis, a bacterial infection carried by deer ticks, is an emerging infection in Maine. As of Aug. 8, 38 cases have been reported to Maine CDC from 8 counties (Androscoggin, Cumberland, Hancock, Kennebec, Knox, Lincoln, Somerset and York). During 2011, a total of 26 cases were reported. Most infections occur during the summer and fall months, so the number of cases is expected to rise. For more information about anaplasmosis, see the health alert issued Aug. 9.
Other diseases that are carried by ticks in Maine include babesiosis and Lyme disease. In 2011, providers reported 9 cases of babesiosis; 3 cases have been reported to date in 2012. In 2011, providers reported 1,006 cases of Lyme disease; 483 cases have been reported to date in 2012.
Lyme disease is the most common vectorborne disease in Maine. Ticks are out and we expect the number of Lyme disease cases to increase in the warm weather.
For general information about Lyme disease see the May 1 health alert issued by Maine CDC.
