Tick Borne Illnesses in Maine
May is Lyme Disease Awareness Month and recent news has indicated that ticks that carry illnesses such as Lyme Disease are becoming much more common in Maine. The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention has resources available to Maine residents to help prevent such illnesses.
In addition to Lyme Disease, a rare tick-borne illness has been discovered in Maine. The Powassan virus can cause encephalitis, or swelling of the brain, and although it is rare, it is deadly.
The Maine Medical Research Center predicts that 2017 is going to be an especially bad year for ticks in Maine. To prevent sickness in yourself, your family, and your pets, take precautions to avoid tick bites. Call your veterinarian about prevention medications for fleas and ticks for your pets. When you and your family are outdoors, avoid highly brushy areas, wear long sleeves and pants, and check thoroughly for ticks. Be sure to use tick repellent. Products with up to 30% DEET are effective against ticks, but many people are more comfortable using natural products. One of our staff uses the following recipe to protect her dogs from ticks:
4 oz water
20 drops of Lemongrass essential oil
20 drops of Eucalyptus essential oil
Be sure and mix your dog tick replant in a glass spray bottle
Many of our offices have tick removal tools available at no charge to you. We also have copies of the tick identification card below. Stop in to get yours, and have a worry-free summer!
