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.
- Find the most recent Tickborne Disease Surveillance Data Summary.
- Find information on tick bites around the country by region, week/month, and age sex on the Tick Bite Data Tracker.
- Find information on tick surveillance in the United States.
Mosquitoes
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
Ticks
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:
- Anaplasmosis
- Babesiosis
- Hard Tick Relapsing Fever (Borrelia miyamotoi)
- Lyme Disease
- Powassan Encephalitis
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
Browntail Moths
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:
Repellents
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:
Repellent Fact Sheets
- English (PDF)
- (PDF) عربي
- Français (PDF)
- Kreyòl Ayisyen (PDF)
- Kiswahili (PDF)
- Lingala (PDF)
- Português (PDF)
- Soomaali (PDF)
- Español (PDF)
- Tiếng Việt (PDF)
- Repellent Frequently Asked Questions (PDF)
- University of Maine Cooperative Extension Insect Repellents
- Maine Board of Pesticide Control
- US CDC Prevent Tick and Mosquito Bites
Mosquito Resources
- Mosquito Frequently Asked Questions
- Video: Mosquito-Borne Diseases in Maine 2024 Webinar (video)
- Maine Arboviral (Mosquito-Borne) Illness Surveillance, Prevention, and Response Guide for Maine Towns and Communities (PDF)
- Vectorborne Disease Orderable Materials
- US CDC Mosquito Information
- Mosquito Bite Prevention Checklist: Protect Your Home (PDF)
- Mosquito Bite Prevention Checklist: Protect Yourself and Your Family (PDF)
Tick Resources
- Frequently Asked Questions about Ticks
- Tickborne Diseases in Maine 2024 Webinar (Video)
- Interactive Tick Game
- US CDC Tick Information
- Vectorborne Disease Orderable Materials
- Deer Tick Habitat Caution Sign (PDF)
- Tick Identification Wallet Card (PDF)
Mosquito Social Media Toolkit
- Reducing Mosquito Habitat Around Your Home (video)
- Protect Yourself Against Mosquito-Borne Disease (video)
- Mosquito Habitats
Tick Social Media Toolkit
- Know How to Prevent Tick Bites (video)
- Know How to Do Tick Checks (video)
- Know How to Remove Ticks (video)
- Adults Have Highest Rate of Tickborne Disease in Maine (video)