News

More ticks test positive for Lyme disease in Maine

More ticks test positive for Lyme disease in Maine

Photo: clipart.com


PORTLAND, Maine (AP) The University of Maine’s tick lab found that a higher percentage of ticks tested positive for the pathogen that causes Lyme disease last year than the previous year.

The University of Maine Cooperative Extension Tick Lab said recently that the rate of infection for Lyme disease grew by almost 6%. The 2021 rate was a little more than 42% while a year prior it was just under 37%.

The lab said infection rates for anaplasma and babesia, which are other pathogens carried by ticks, also increased by a few percentage points. The lab said it received nearly double the number of tick submissions in 2021 than it did in 2020.

Griffin Dill, who manages the lab, said the increase in submissions was driven by a large number of submissions of American dog ticks. Those aren’t known to transmit pathogens in the state.

Nearly half of deer ticks tested positive for at least one pathogen, tick lab said. Deer ticks can transmit Lyme disease and other infections.

Latest Headlines

2 hours ago in Local

Anthem requests extension of deadline as negotiations with Northern Light stall

Fresh

A spokesperson for Anthem insurance says the company has requested that Northern Light Health extend a deadline for reimbursement negotiations.

2 hours ago in Local

Lockdown lifted at SMCC in South Portland after police respond to person in crisis

Fresh

A lockdown and shelter-in-place order has been lifted at Southern Maine Community College in South Portland.

4 hours ago in Entertainment, Trending

Nicole Kidman files for divorce from Keith Urban after 19 years of marriage

The 58-year-old Oscar-winning actor petitioned on Tuesday to end her marriage to the 57-year-old Grammy winning country singer in a Nashville court. The documents state the couple has undergone "marital difficulties and irreconcilable differences."

11 hours ago in Local

Portland Police Looking for Man Missing for a Month

Officers did not say where the man was last seen.

24 hours ago in Local

Fiery Scarborough Crash Caught on Video

Crews quickly stretched a hose line and had water on the flames within moments.