A study published Friday by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows over a 1,400% increase in babesiosis cases in Maine over the past 8 years. Reported cases went up from nine cases in 2011 to 138 in 2019.

According to the Portland Press Herald, babesiosis occurs when microscopic parasites infect the recipients’ red blood cells after being transmitted, most commonly, through deer tick bites.

Symptoms of babesiosis vary, with some feeling no symptoms at all and others experiencing flu-like symptoms. In some cases, however, the disease can be fatal, especially for the immunocompromised or people without a spleen.

The CDC says Maine, Vermont and New Hampshire should all be considered to have endemic transmission of the disease and residents of those states are advised to take preventative measures such as using repellant, wearing protective clothing and doing regular tick checks.