HIV/AIDS (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)
HIV Basics
There is no way to tell if someone is living with HIV.
HIV is a virus that attacks the body's immune system. Without treatment, it can lead to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome).
Gonorrhea
Anyone who is sexually active can get gonorrhea. There are often no symptoms. When symptoms do occur it may be mild and can include a burning feeling when peeing. Gonorrhea can impact a person’s ability to become pregnant if left untreated.
Chlamydia
Chlamydia is the most commonly reported Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) in Maine and the U.S. People with chlamydia often have no symptoms. It is easy to cure but can impact a person’s ability to become pregnant if left untreated.
Learn more about treatment for chlamydia (PDF).
Sexually Transmitted Infections
The Maine STI (Sexually Transmitted Infection) Program is federally funded to focus on activities pertaining mainly to chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and working closely with the HIV Program to assist with specific follow up activities related to HIV. Our work involved collaboration with many community and state partners.
STI Basics
The following provides basic STI information. Explore the rest of our site to learn more.
West Nile Virus (WNV)
About
West Nile virus (WNV) is a viral illness spread by mosquitoes. It can cause disease in humans, birds, and some other mammals. It occurs throughout the United States, including in Maine.
West Nile virus spreads through the bite of an infected mosquito. West Nile cases occur sporadically in Maine, usually during the summer and fall when mosquitoes in Maine are most active.
Anyone can get WNV, but certain people are at higher risk, including:
Lyme Disease
About
Lyme disease is a bacterial illness spread by ticks. In the U.S., Lyme disease is caused by two bacteria, Borrelia burgdorferi, and more rarely, Borrelia mayonii. Both are spread through the bite of infected deer ticks (Ixodes scapularis).
Lyme disease is the most common tickborne disease in Maine. Cases of Lyme disease increase each year in Maine as the deer tick spreads throughout the state.
Anyone can get Lyme disease, but certain people are at higher risk, including: