Lyme disease is the most common vector-borne disease in Maine and the second most common of the reportable infectious diseases in Maine. May is Lyme Disease Awareness Month in Maine so remember to do your tick checks.

Lyme disease is a bacterial infection that is carried by Ixodes scapularis (the deer tick). Cases have increased over the last five years in Maine, and occur in all 16 counties. Lyme disease is most common among school age children and middle age adults. As the weather continues to get warmer, more ticks will be out in the open, and most infections in Maine occur during the summer months.

The most common early symptom of Lyme disease is an expanding red rash that occurs at the site of the tick bite within 3-32 days after being bitten. Fever, join and muscle pains may also occur. Lyme disease is treatable, and the majority of patients recover after receiving appropriate therapy.

Lyme disease is preventable. Maine CDC recommends following the “No Ticks 4 ME” approach which includes:

1. Wear protective clothing

2. Use insect repellent

3. Perform daily tick checks

4. Use caution in tick habitats

Ticks must be attached for 24-48 hours before the bacteria can be transmitted, so prompt removal of ticks is extremely important. Anyone with a known tick bite, or who has been in a tick habitat should watch for symptoms for at least 30 days after the exposure. If symptoms develop, call your physician.

Additional information:

Maine CDC has numerous educational materials available on our website at http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/boh/ddc/epi/vector-borne/lyme/index.shtml