Maine on the verge of an epidemiological catastrophe
The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC)
urges Maine people and visitors to take precautions against tick
bites this fall. Maine experiences increased adult deer tick activity
in late September through November (
https://bit.ly/3rGrY7q). Deer
ticks are commonly found in wooded, leafy, and shrubby areas, which
may include areas around the yard. Deer ticks can carry the germs
that cause tickborne diseases. In Maine, these include Lyme disease,
anaplasmosis, babesiosis, hard tick relapsing fever (Borrelia
miyamotoi), and Powassan virus. These germs spread through the
bite of an infected deer tick. Thus far in 2022, Maine CDC has
recorded:
- 1,977 cases of Lyme disease
- 677 cases of anaplasmosis
- 161 cases of babesiosis
- 10 cases of hard tick relapsing fever, which the U.S. Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention formerly identified as B. miyamotoi
or B miyamotoi disease
- 4 cases of Powassan encephalitis
This is a record high for Powassan encephalitis cases. Maine is also
on track to break records for anaplasmosis, babesiosis, and Lyme
disease cases this year.
The most commonly reported symptom of Lyme disease in Maine
is a "bull's-eye" rash. Other common symptoms of tickborne disease
include body aches, chills, fever, headache, and swollen lymph
nodes. If you experience any of these symptoms, talk to a health
care provider. Mention any recent tick exposure.
Take steps to limit exposure to ticks and tickborne diseases:
- Know when you are in tick habitat and use caution.
- Use an EPA-approved repellent like DEET, picaridin, IR3535,
or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
- Wear light-colored clothing that covers the arms and legs and
tuck pants into socks.
- Perform tick checks daily and after any outdoor activity.
https://youtu.be/OkK2Qh1T5DE
