Despite the snowy ground, disease-carrying ticks are still active and spreading illnesses, according to the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
The CDC revealed a record number of Lyme disease cases in 2023, reaching 2,706 as of Thursday, along with five cases of the potentially deadly Powassan virus.
These diseases are transmitted by deer ticks through their bites.
The CDC warns that Lyme disease cases are increasing, and ticks are still a threat when temperatures are above freezing.
To prevent tick bites, the Maine CDC suggests the following:
- Understand where ticks live and take precautions in those areas.
- Wear light-colored clothing covering your arms and legs, and tuck pants into socks.
- Use an EPA-approved repellent like DEET, picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus on the skin. Apply permethrin on clothing.
- Check for ticks daily and after any outdoor activity. Don’t forget to check family members and pets.
- Remove clothing when you return home and put it in the dryer before washing. Use high heat for 10-15 minutes to kill any crawling ticks.
Deer ticks can also carry germs causing anaplasmosis, babesiosis, and hard tick relapsing fever. Symptoms of tick-borne diseases include joint and muscle pain, fatigue, chills, fever, headache, and swollen lymph nodes. If you experience these symptoms, consult a healthcare provider.
