About
Lyme disease is the most common tickborne disease in Maine, but it is not the only one. Ticks in Maine can also spread:
- Anaplasmosis (caused by the bacteria (Anaplasma phagocytophilum)
- Babesiosis (caused by the parasite Babesia microti)
- Hard Tick Relapsing Fever (caused by the bacteria Borrelia miyamotoi)
- Powassan virus disease (caused by Powassan virus)
These diseases spread through the bite of infected deer ticks (Ixodes scapularis).
Symptoms
Many tickborne diseases start with flu-like symptoms, including:
- Fever
- Chills
- Muscle or joint pain
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Fatigue (feeling very tired)
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
More severe symtpoms can develop, especially if not treated early, including:
- Confusion
- Difficulty breathing
- Respiratory failure
- Kidney failure
- Neurologic problems
- Bleeding problems
- Anemia
- Meningitis (swelling of the membranes around the brain and spinal cord)
- Encephalitis (swelling of the brain)
Powassan virus disease can cause severe symptoms with long-lasting effects. About 1 in 10 people who experience severe symptoms of Powassan die. About half of survivors have long term health effects. These can include recurring headaches, loss of muscle strength, or memory problems.
Treatment
If untreated, more severe symptoms of these tickborne diseases can develop. See a health care provider if you become ill with these symptoms. Let them know you had a tick bite or spent time in areas where ticks commonly live. Be sure to mention any recent tick bites or outdoor activities to your health care provider.
Anaplasmosis and Hard Tick Relapsing Fever are both treatable with antibiotics. Babesiosis is treatable with anti-parasitic drugs. There is not specific treatment for Powassan virus disease. Rest, fluids, and over-the-counter medications can help relieve symptoms. People with severe disease may need hospitalization for support.
Prevention
Learn more about preventing tick bites here.
Data and Publications
Maine Tracking Network
The Maine Tracking Network shares data on tickborne diseases in Maine. It includes data from case reports and daily emergency department visits. The dashboard shows real-time data, maps, charts, and graphs for anaplasmosis, babesiosis, and Lyme disease.
Surveillance Reports
Anaplasmosis
Babesiosis
Hard Tick Relapsing Fever and Powassan
Resources
- Anaplasmosis Fact Sheet (PDF) | (PDF) ربي | Français (PDF) | Kreyòl Ayisyen (PDF) | Kiswahili (PDF) | Lingala (PDF) | Português (PDF) | Soomaali (PDF) | Español (PDF) | Tiếng Việt (PDF)
- Babesiosis Fact Sheet (PDF) | (PDF) ربي | Français (PDF) | Kreyòl Ayisyen (PDF) | Kiswahili (PDF) | Lingala (PDF) | Português (PDF) | Soomaali (PDF) | Español (PDF) | Tiếng Việt (PDF)
- Hard Tick Relapsing Fever Fact Sheet (PDF) | (PDF) ربي | Français (PDF) | Kreyòl Ayisyen (PDF) | Kiswahili (PDF) | Lingala (PDF) | Português (PDF) | Soomaali (PDF) | Español (PDF) | Tiếng Việt (PDF)
- Powassan Virus Fact Sheet (PDF) | (PDF) ربي | Français (PDF) | Kreyòl Ayisyen (PDF) | Kiswahili (PDF) | Lingala (PDF) | Português (PDF) | Soomaali (PDF) | Español (PDF) | Tiếng Việt (PDF)
- Tickborne Disease Curriculum for Youth (Grades 3-8)
- Take Back Your Yard Workbook for Kids (PDF)
- Tickborne Disease Videos