Lyme Disease map courtesy of the CDC
Lyme Disease is a vector disease that is carried by tick species in the United States and Canada. While not all ticks carry Lyme Disease, they may carry other harmful tick-borne illnesses such as Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and even red meat allergies. The top U.S. states with confirmed Lyme Disease cases are heavily wooded areas with large white-tailed deer populations (the number one carriers of ticks in the United States).
Here is the list of the top states with confirmed Lyme Disease cases:
- Connecticut (where "Lyme" began)
- District of Columbia (New to the list)
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New York
- Rhode Island
- West Virginia
As you can see, the New England Area is on high alert for tick diseases and should use caution when outdoors on hiking trails, gardens and dog parks.