PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • December 9, 2024
Lyme disease cases again set a new record in Maine this year, as the tick-borne illness continues to spread and intensify, especially in the midcoast and Down East regions. Lyme rates in those regions are three times higher than the statewide average and have roughly tripled over the past decade. The number of Lyme infections statewide stood at 3,035 on Dec. 3. That exceeds the total for 2023, which was the highest year on record with 2,943 cases. More cases will be added to this year’s total.