Vectors and Vectorborne Diseases

Quick Links to Vectorborne Disease Information

Vectorborne Disease Resources

Data

Arboviral Surveillance

Mosquito, animal, and human specimens get tested for Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) and West Nile virus (WNV) in Maine. The results are published in weekly Arboviral Surveillance Reports from July to September each year. This data helps Maine CDC to understand where in Maine mosquitoes might be infected with these diseases and guide mosquito control efforts to prevent humans and companion animals from getting sick.

Maine Tracking Network

The Maine Tracking Network publishes data dashboards for a variety of health and environmental concerns in Maine. The Tickborne Disease dashboard includes real-time and annual counts of Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, and babesiosis cases in Maine. The dashboard features tables, maps, and charts of case counts, rates, and emergency room visits in Maine.

Tick Submissions

The University of Maine Cooperative Extension's Tick Lab collects, identifies, and tests ticks submitted by Maine residents. They publish interactive data tables and reports to share infection rates by town, maps of tick submissions, and tick species activity throughout the state.

Vectorborne and Other Infectious Disease Reports

Maine CDC publishes Infectious Disease Epidemiology Reports with graphs, case counts, surveillance reports, and annual reports for reportable infectious diseases, including vectorborne diseases.

United States Tickborne Disease Data

US CDC collects and publishes data on tickborne diseases in the United States.

Mosquitoes

mosquito

About 45 different species of mosquitoes live in Maine. About half of these mosquitoes can carry the germs that cause illness in humans, but not all bite people. Mosquitoes in Maine can carry viruses that can cause several illnesses. These include:

Other Mosquito-Borne Diseases

Photo credit: US CDC

Ticks

deer tick

About 14 different tick species live in Maine, but not all of these ticks bite people. The two most common species of tick seen in Maine are the deer tick (Ixodes scapularis) and the American dog tick (Dermacentor variabilis). In Maine, deer ticks can carry germs that cause several illnesses. These include:

In other parts of the United States, American dog ticks are able to spread the germs that cause Rocky Mountain spotted fever and tularemia. These ticks are not known to spread these germs in Maine.

Other Tickborne Diseases

Photo credit: US CDC

Browntail Moths

browntail moth

The browntail moth is an invasive species found only in Maine and Cape Cod. The browntail moth caterpillar has tiny poisonous hairs that cover its body. These hairs cause a rash similar to poison ivy on sensitive individuals. The hairs can also become airborne, especially during many yard work activities. If inhaled, these hairs can cause breathing problems in some people. Caterpillars are active from April to late June. The hairs can remain toxic in the environment for years.

Learn more about browntail moths:

Photo credit: Maine Forest Service

Repellents

repellent spray

Repellents can help reduce mosquito and tick bites. Mosquitoes and ticks may carry germs that cause serious disease in humans. The best way to prevent getting one of these diseases is to prevent tick and mosquito bites. Using an EPA-approved repellent when spending time outdoors can reduce the risk of bites. Common repellents for use on skin against ticks and mosquitoes include DEET, picaridin, IR3535, and oil of lemon eucalyptus. Use permethrin on clothing to repel ticks and mosquitoes.

Learn more about repellents:

Photo credit: US CDC

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