Infectious Disease Epidemiology Program

Vector-borne Diseases

Lyme Disease Post-Exposure Prophylaxis

The Maine CDC does not recommend the routine use of antibiotics after a known tick bite. In areas where the incidence of Lyme is high, healthcare providers must weigh the advantages and disadvantages of giving prophylactic antibiotics. The final decision is between the provider and the patient. We recognize the controversial nature of this issue and have provided the following references below for your use:

1) Federal CDC. Lyme Disease: A Public Health Information Guide . Accessed May 2007

2) IDSA. Practice Guidelines for the Treatment of Lyme disease

3) Treatment of Lyme disease . The Medical Letter, Inc. Volume 47 (Issue 1209)

4) Edward B. Hayes, M.D., and Joseph Piesman, D.Sc. How Can We Prevent Lyme Disease? . NEJM Volume 348: 2424-2430; Number 24.

To Submit a Disease Report:

Phone: 800 821 5821
Fax: 800 293 7534

For More Information About Tick-borne Diseases:

Tel: 207 287-7267
Fax: 207 287-8186

You may also visit the Federal CDC website

EPI Information

Information for

Infectious Disease Epidemiology Program

Vector-borne Diseases

Lyme Disease Post-Exposure Prophylaxis

To Submit a Disease Report:

For More Information About Tick-borne Diseases: