Ticks on Maine islands pose a health risk associated with which disease?

• A. Malaria risk
• B. Lyme disease, check skin after hikes
• C. Rabies risk
• D. Dengue fever risk

Answer: (B)

Ticks on Maine islands pose a health risk primarily for Lyme disease. This illness is carried by the local black-legged (deer) ticks, which can transmit Borrelia burgdorferi when they feed. The risk becomes real after outdoor activities like kayaking or hiking in tick habitat, where a tick may attach to skin or clothing. That’s why checking the skin after hikes, and removing any ticks promptly, is emphasized—early removal reduces the chance of transmission.

Malaria, rabies, and dengue fever aren’t transmitted by ticks. Malaria and dengue are spread by mosquitoes, while rabies comes from bites by infected animals. So in the Maine island environment, Lyme disease is the disease most linked to tick exposure.

Practical steps to lower risk include using repellent, wearing long sleeves and pants, tucking pants into socks, sticking to clear trails, and performing a thorough tick check on yourself and companions after any island outing. If you find a tick attached, remove it promptly with fine-tipped tweezers and monitor for any signs of infection, then seek medical advice if symptoms develop.