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Maine on track to break tick-borne disease records this year, says state CDC

In this undated file photo provided by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a blacklegged tick, also known as a deer tick, rests on a plant.
James Gathany/AP
/
U.S. Centers for Disease Control
In this undated file photo provided by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a blacklegged tick, also known as a deer tick, rests on a plant.

The Maine CDC says the state is on track to break records for several tick-borne diseases this year, and it's advising people to take extra precautions against tick bites this fall.

The agency is reporting more than 1,900 cases of Lyme disease so far this year, compared to roughly 1,500 last year.

It's also identified 700 cases of anaplasmosis and 161 cases of babesiosis , which at this point fall shy of last year's totals.

The state also recorded four cases of Powassan encephalitis — the highest ever in Maine.

CDC officials urge individuals to perform daily tick checks and to use insect repellant and wear clothing that covers arms and legs when in tick habitat, such as wooded or leafy areas.

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