Ticks are generally found in brushy or wooded areas, near the ground; they cannot jump or fly. Ticks are attracted to a variety of host factors, including body heat and carbon dioxide. They will transfer to a potential host when one brushes directly against them and then seek a site for attachment.
Ticks cause a variety of diseases in Maine, including Lyme disease, Anaplasmosis, Babesiosis, and Powassan.
More than 1,375 cases of Lyme disease were reported statewide in 2013, a record high for Maine. So far in 2014, there have been 202 reported cases of Lyme disease.
In 2013, providers reported 94 cases of Anaplasmosis, 36 cases of Babesiosis, and 1 case of Powassan. So far in 2014, there have been 52 cases of Anaplasmosis and four cases of Babesiosis reported.
For more information:
- For Lyme disease testing and treatment information, see the health alert at http://go.usa.gov/kscC
- Lyme disease data are available on Maine CDC's website at http://go.usa.gov/kGYx
- For more information on tickborne diseases, go to: http://go.usa.gov/kGYV
- A Physician's Reference Guide is available and describes the most common tickborne diseases in Maine. This guide can be found on our website at:http://go.usa.gov/kGrw
- For IDSA Lyme disease treatment guidelines: http://cid.oxfordjournals.org/content/43/9/1089.full
- To order Lyme educational materials: http://go.usa.gov/kGYh
The winners of Maine CDC's annual Lyme Disease Awareness Poster Contest have been announced. The press release is available at http://go.usa.gov/XPHB
