Islesboro Grapples with Surge in Tick-Borne Diseases

Islesboro, a picturesque island community off the coast of Maine, finds itself at the forefront of an intensifying public health crisis, grappling with some of the state's highest rates of tick-borne diseases. The long-standing battle against Lyme disease is now compounded by a concerning rise in newer, often harder-to-detect illnesses such as babesiosis and anaplasmosis, fundamentally altering daily life for its residents.

ticksonislesboro.com reported, The pervasive threat has transformed the island's relationship with its natural environment, prompting residents to re-evaluate outdoor activities and instilling a palpable sense of unease. Linda Badoian, an 86-year-old resident, experienced Islesboro's first confirmed case of babesiosis this summer, a parasitic infection that severely attacks red blood cells, leaving her anemic and almost requiring a blood transfusion. Her husband, George, also fell ill with a tick-borne infection, becoming delirious, underscoring the severe and varied impacts these diseases are having on the community.

The island's struggle with tick-borne illnesses is not new, with the first case of Lyme disease diagnosed in 2002. Since then, the numbers have climbed steadily, with 18 cases reported in 2008 and a significant jump to 80 by 2019. State data from 2018 to 2022 consistently show Islesboro with more reported cases per capita than any other town in Maine, a grim distinction that highlights the concentrated nature of the problem.

bangordailynews.com noted, This escalating incidence is largely attributed to the island's dense deer population, which serves as a primary host for the blacklegged ticks (deer ticks) responsible for transmitting these pathogens. Despite various initiatives and community efforts over the years to mitigate the risk, including attempts at deer management, the challenge persists.

Residents are adjusting to a new reality where the simple act of enjoying the outdoors carries significant health risks.

islandinstitute.org reported, The psychological toll on the community is profound, with many residents experiencing fear and anxiety about engaging in activities that were once central to island life. Seasonal resident Deirdre Dixon, who was hospitalized with anaplasmosis, articulated this sentiment, stating, "I didn't want to get near anything green. It's like, you can have a really great garden, but it might kill you."

This fear has led some to reduce time spent gardening or walking in wooded areas. The Islesboro Health Center (IHC) and its advisory board have taken on the responsibility of providing up-to-date information and prevention strategies, continuing the work of earlier committees established to address the growing crisis.

ticksonislesboro.com noted, However, the ongoing rise in cases and the emergence of new diseases, coupled with concerns about the potential arrival of more severe illnesses like the Powassan virus, indicate that the island's battle against tick-borne pathogens is far from over.

• Historical Context of Tick-Borne Diseases on Islesboro: Islesboro identified its first case of Lyme disease in 2002, marking the beginning of a persistent public health challenge. The island saw 18 cases by 2008, which escalated to 42 cases of Lyme and 2 of anaplasmosis in 2015, and further to 80 cases by 2019, demonstrating a consistent upward trend in infection rates.
• Emerging Illnesses and Broader Maine Trends: Beyond Lyme, Islesboro is now confronting a rise in babesiosis and anaplasmosis. Linda Badoian's recent babesiosis diagnosis marks the island's first confirmed case of this severe parasitic infection. Statewide, Maine reported a record 3,218 Lyme disease cases in 2024, alongside significant increases in anaplasmosis (1,284 cases) and babesiosis (310 cases), reflecting a broader regional surge in these illnesses.
• Role of Deer Population and Management Challenges: The high incidence of tick-borne diseases on Islesboro is strongly linked to its dense deer population. In 2015, the island had approximately 50 deer per square mile, significantly higher than the mainland's 20. Efforts to reduce the deer herd to a recommended 10 per square mile, which experts suggest would lower tick numbers, have faced community debate and resistance, including a 2011 vote against a proposed culling.
• Community Response and Prevention Efforts: Islesboro has a long history of community-led initiatives to combat tick-borne diseases. Starting with the Lyme Disease Research Committee in 2008, evolving into the Tick-Borne Disease Prevention Committee, these groups tracked data, developed educational materials, and created the website ticksonislesboro.com. By 2023, the Islesboro Health Center staff assumed full responsibility for these ongoing prevention and education efforts.
• Impact on Daily Life and Mental Well-being: The pervasive threat of tick-borne diseases has profoundly impacted the quality of life for Islesboro residents. Many express fear and anxiety, leading to a reduction in outdoor activities like gardening and walking in wooded areas. This constant vigilance and the risk of severe illness contribute to a significant psychological burden on the community.
• Climate Change as a Contributing Factor: Warmer, shorter winters in Maine, a consequence of climate change, are enabling ticks to remain active year-round and expand their habitats. This environmental shift is a major driver behind the increasing prevalence and geographic spread of tick-borne diseases, making prevention a year-round concern rather than a seasonal one.
• Statewide Surveillance and Research: The University of Maine Cooperative Extension Tick Lab plays a crucial role in monitoring tick-borne disease risks. Their 2024 surveillance report, based on 4,776 tick submissions, revealed that 41.5% of deer ticks carried Lyme disease, 12% carried Babesia microti, 9.7% carried Anaplasma phagocytophilum, and 1.1% carried the Powassan virus, highlighting the multi-pathogen threat.
• Future Outlook and New Threats: Health officials on Islesboro, such as nurse practitioner Dorie Henning, anticipate a continued rise in tick-borne diseases. There is growing concern about the potential emergence and spread of more dangerous illnesses like the Powassan virus, which is untreatable and can cause severe neurological complications, further complicating the island's public health landscape.