Update Insect -borne diseses

From the Maine CDC

Mosquito-borne diseases

EEE and WNV

Arboviral diseases, including Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) and West Nile virus (WNV), are very serious infections that are transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito. Although rare, these diseases have potentially severe and even fatal consequences for those who contract them.  Vermont has already detected EEE.

Clinicians should be aware of the potential for human disease activity in Maine, and to consider testing for arboviral disease in patients presenting with unexplained encephalitis, meningitis or fever ≥100.4°F or 38°C during the summer and early fall.

For more information, see the Health Alert from July 2: http://go.usa.gov/X9MV

Chikungunya

Chikungunya virus is also transmitted to people by mosquitoes. Outbreaks have occurred in countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Indian and Pacific Oceans. In late 2013, chikungunya virus was found for the first time in the Americas on islands in the Caribbean. This week, New Hampshire reported two cases of chikungunya in people who traveled to the Caribbean.

The most common symptoms of chikungunya virus infection are fever and joint pain. Other symptoms may include headache, muscle pain, joint swelling, or rash. There is no vaccine to prevent or medicine to treat chikungunya virus infection.

Travelers can protect themselves by preventing mosquito bites. When traveling to countries with chikungunya virus, use insect repellent, wear long sleeves and pants, and stay in places with air conditioning or that use window and door screens.

For more information, visit http://www.cdc.gov/chikungunya/

Tick-borne diseases

Ticks are generally found in brushy or wooded areas, near the ground; they cannot jump or fly. Ticks are attracted to a variety of host factors, including body heat and carbon dioxide. They will transfer to a potential host when one brushes directly against them and then seek a site for attachment.

Ticks cause a variety of diseases in Maine, including Lyme disease, Anaplasmosis, Babesiosis, and Powassan.

More than 1,375 cases of Lyme disease were reported statewide in 2013, a record high for Maine. So far in 2014, there have been 202 reported cases of Lyme disease.

In 2013, providers reported 94 cases of Anaplasmosis, 36 cases of Babesiosis, and 1 case of Powassan. So far in 2014, there have been 52 cases of Anaplasmosis and four cases of  Babesiosis reported.

For more information:

For Lyme disease testing and treatment information, see the health alert at http://go.usa.gov/kscC Lyme disease data are available on Maine CDC's website at http://go.usa.gov/kGYxFor more information on tickborne diseases, go to:  http://go.usa.gov/kGYVA Physician's Reference Guide is available and describes the most common tickborne diseases in Maine.  This guide can be found on our website at: http://go.usa.gov/kGrwFor IDSA Lyme disease treatment guidelines:  http://cid.oxfordjournals.org/content/43/9/1089.fullTo order Lyme educational materials:  http://go.usa.gov/kGYh

The winners of Maine CDC's annual Lyme Disease Awareness Poster Contest have been announced. The press release is available at http://go.usa.gov/XPHB