Lyme disease is the most
common vector-borne disease in Maine. Cases have been increasing each year in
Maine, and occur in all 16 counties. More than 1,395 cases of Lyme disease were
reported statewide in 2014, a record high for Maine. Lyme disease is most
common among school age children and mature adults over the age of 65. Most
infections occur during the summer months. A total of 71 cases have already
been reported in 2015.
The most common early symptom of
Lyme disease is an expanding red rash that occurs 3-30 days after being bitten.
Fever, headache, joint and muscle pains and fatigue are also common during the
first several weeks. Later features of Lyme disease can include arthritis in
one or more joints (often the knee), Bell's palsy and other cranial nerve
palsies, meningitis and carditis (AV block). Lyme disease is treatable, and the
majority of patients recover after receiving appropriate therapy.
Lyme disease is a reportable
condition in the State of Maine. Providers should report all diagnosed
erythema migrans rashes and all positive lab diagnoses. Cases can be
reported by fax at 1-800-293-7534 or by phone at 1-800-821-5821.
Other tickborne diseases:
Other diseases that are carried
by ticks in Maine include anaplasmosis,
babesiosis, ehrlichiosis, Powassan and Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
They are all reportable in Maine.
In 2014, providers reported 191
cases of anaplasmosis, more the twice the number of cases reported in
2013. Providers reported 42 cases of babesiosis, a slight increase from
2013. Four anaplasmosis cases and one babesiosis case have already been
reported in 2015.
For more information:
- Lyme disease data are available on Maine CDC's website
at http://go.usa.gov/kGYx
- For more information on tickborne diseases,
including Lyme: 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
