Tick and Mosquito Frequently Asked Questions

Maine has high rates of tickborne diseases across the state. Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, and babesiosis are the most reported tickborne diseases in Maine. Mosquito-borne diseases acquired in Maine are rare in humans, but can include Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), West Nile virus, and Jamestown Canyon virus.

Tick and mosquito-borne diseases can range from mild to severe and vary based onthe disease. Flu-like symptoms, especially in the summer months, are a sign of a vectorborne illness and could be caused by a tick or a mosquito. If a person is not treated early for a tick or mosquito-borne disease, symptoms could become more serious.

Maine CDC receives many tick and mosquito-related consults through Maine CDC's Disease Reporting Hotline. The Division of Disease Surveillance also participates in many educational events each year. Many people ask where the Maine CDC gets information, so Maine CDC and its partners, through the Vectorborne Workgroup, developed this messaging. Each section below contains answers to frequently asked questions on each topic.

The information on these pages include:

  • Tick and Mosquito Bite Prevention
  • Property and Host Management
  • Tick and Mosquito Ecology
  • Tick and Mosquito Testing
  • Tick Attachment
  • Lyme Disease and Other Tickborne Diseases Found in Maine
  • Symptoms of Tick and Mosquito-borne Diseases in Animals
  • Tick and Mosquito Prevention in Pets
  • Other Resources

The following definitions will be helpful as you review this site:

EEE:
Eastern Equine Encephalitis
Endemic:
Regularly found in a certain area
Host:
A living animal or plant that provides food or shelter for another.
Vector:
An agent (mosquito or tick) that carries and spreads a disease to another living organism.
WNV:
West Nile virus

Links

Click the buttons below for additional information:

Contact

Disease Reporting Hotline
Phone: 1-800-821-5821 (24 hours a day)
Fax: 1-800-293-7534 (24 hours a day)
TTY: Maine relay 711 (24 hours a day)
disease.reporting@maine.gov