Maine reports more than 3,000 Lyme disease cases in 2024
A new record in the state
The Maine Centers for Disease Control (Maine CDC) reported a new record in tick-borne diseases, including Lyme disease in 2024.
From the beginning of the year through December 3, officials report 3,035 Lyme disease cases (preliminarily). This is up from 2,943 cases reported in all of 2023.
In addition to Lyme disease, cases of Anaplasmosis and Babesia are also up in 2024 with 1,229 (up from 777 in 2023) and 295 (up from 194 in 2023), respectively.
According to the Maine CDC, recent mild winters have contributed to the increase.
Deer ticks can be active any time the temperature is above freezing, so the risk of tick bites stretches through the winter.
Tickborne disease case data are from Maine’s electronic surveillance system for notifiable conditions. Cases are classified based on surveillance definitions determined by the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists (CSTE), using lab results and clinical information collected by Maine CDC epidemiologists.
Two bacteria cause Lyme disease in North America. They are called Borrelia burgdorferi and Borrelia mayonii. These bacteria spread to a person through the bite of an infected deer tick (Ixodes scapularis). Cases of Lyme disease increase in Maine every year as the deer tick spreads throughout the state.
Common symptoms of tickborne diseases include joint and muscle pain, fatigue, chills, fever, headache, and swollen lymph nodes.
People with Lyme disease may also have a “bullseye” rash anywhere on their body, not only at the site of the tick bite.
Later signs and symptoms include arthritis; neurologic, memory, and concentration problems and heart problems.
See a healthcare provider if you become ill after a tick bite or spending time in areas where ticks commonly live. Be sure to mention a recent tick bite or time spent in tick habitat to your healthcare provider.
