Maine Had Record Number Of Lyme Disease Cases In 2019

AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — Maine reported a record number of Lyme disease cases last year, and the number could rise as data continues to trickle in, officials said Thursday. There were at least 2,079 cases in 2019, the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention reported. It’s too early to say why the numbers grew last year. But the numbers underscore the importance of taking precautions to avoid tick bites, said Dr. Nirav Shah, director of the Maine CDC. Winter is a time of low ticket activity. But ticks can be active when the temperature climbs above 40, as it did last weekend in Maine. The state also experienced increases in two other tickborne diseases, with 685 cases of anaplasmosis and 138 cases of babesiosis. Lyme disease is caused by bacteria carried by infected deer ticks. It’s often accompanied by a rash referred to as the “bull’s-eye” because of its shape. Symptoms include fever, chills, headache, fatigue, and muscle and joint aches, officials said. (© Copyright 2020 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
Source: WBZ-TV - Breaking News, Weather and Sports for Boston, Worcester and New Hampshire - Category: Consumer Health News Authors: Tags: Boston News Health Syndicated CBSN Boston LYME DISEASE Maine news ticks Source Type: news