PORTLAND, Maine - Public health officials say the summer's dry weather contributed to what appears to be a moderate year for Lyme disease in northern New England, but they warn ticks are still lurking.
Lyme disease cases in Maine reached a record of nearly 1,400 last year. Maine Medical Center Research Institute field biologist Charles Lubelzyk says the number of cases will likely be fewer this year.
He says ticks are less active in dry weather, so they were less active this summer than last. However, fall is when the adult deer tick population peaks.
Vermont officials expect the number of Lyme cases in their state will be between 522 and the 2013 high of 893. New Hampshire has received about 10 percent fewer reports of Lyme this year than last.