Click For TheLatest Newson ticks

Protectyourself

and your family

Ticks andanimals

The latest tick-borne disease prevention information for residents and visitors to Islesboro, Maine

As in many parts of Maine, especially along the coast, the incidence of tick-borne disease on Islesboro has been rising steadily. The first case of Lyme disease on the island was diagnosed in 2002. In 2008 there were 18 cases, and by 2019 the total had risen to 80. The totals vary widely from year to year.
Tick-Borne Disease on Islesboro, 2022: Download PDF

What to do if you're bitten

Prevention on Islesboro

Since 2008, the Town has taken a series of initiatives to reduce the risk of contracting tick-borne disease on Islesboro and Seven Hundred Acre Island (Chronology). The Lyme Disease Research Committee, set up by the Islesboro Health Center (IHC) in that year, was succeeded by the Lyme Disease Prevention Committee, active in 2009/10. In April 2010 the Tick-Borne Disease Prevention Committee was established, producing a report and recommendations to the Select Board in 2011. 
By 2014, when much more had been learned about tick-borne diseases, the Tick-borne Disease Prevention Committee, a sub-committee of the Islesboro Health Center Advisory Board, was formed.  The committee's mission was to collect and disseminate information to the Select Board and to the Islesboro community-at-large about tick-borne disease and its prevention on Islesboro.  Committee members tracked tick bite data provided quarterly by Health Center staff, developed educational brochures about tick-borne disease prevention, and eventually put together a website, ticksonislesboro.com. By 2023, IHC staff and member of the Health Center Advisory Board had taken full responsibility for providing tick-related information to the Islesboro community, and the Select Board dissolved the committee. Providers at the IHC supply information about treatment of tick-borne disease. Ticksonislesboro.com is updated regularly.