Tick Facts and Stats - Wellness Wednesdays with Dr. Alison Maloof, ND

- Private group -
Fri, 05/28/2021 - 2:15pm

Story Location:
817 Commercial Street
Rockport, ME 04856
United States

Tick Facts and Stats -Wellness Wednesdays with Dr. Alison Maloof, ND

As many know, the ground has been alive with ticks this spring in Maine. While we will not know the burden of the seemingly uptick in tick action until a further date, we can take a look at past research for a better understanding of the impact on our communities.

Prevalance:

  1. According to 2019 CDC data, the state of Maine has the highest average incidence of Lyme disease in any state over the previous 3-year span with a total of 103.6 confirmed and probable cases per 100,000 persons. 1
  2. In a separate report from Maine CDC to the Department of Health and Human Services, the report found 2,079 new confirmed and probable cases of Lyme disease in Maine for 2019. This number was up 674 cases from 2018, over 45%.  Knox County had the highest rate of all Maine counties with confirmed and probable cases at 530.5 per 100,00 people in 2019. 2

Diagnosis:

  1. While the numbers are high in Maine, the Federal CDC stated in 2013 that the true burden of Lyme disease may be up to 10 times the number of reported cases. 2
  2. In a study by MyLymeData of 14,00 Lyme disease patient participants across the United States, 72% of patients were misdiagnosed before their Lyme diagnosis, and 70% of patients were not diagnosed with Lyme until late stage (over 6 months). 3
  3. While the reasons for misdiagnosis and no diagnosis vary widely, Dr. Maloof believes the best tests for Lyme and co-infections are thorough, examining for all co-infections and bands of disease. Maloof offers a variety of testing options to her patients from several labs based on the patient’s desired testing levels and Dr. Maloof’s recommendation based on symptoms and history.

Co-Infections:

  1. Co-infections are common in patients with persistent Lyme disease. Some of these co-infections include Babesia, Bartonella, Mycoplasma, Enrlichia/Anaplasmosis, and more.  According to MyLymeData, of 14,000 Lyme patient study participants across the United States, some tick co-infections such as Babesia and Bartonella have a nearly 50% diagnosis among participants.  Of the participants in the study, 60% of these patients have at least one co-infection. 3

Should I Get Tested:

  1. If you have found ticks on yourself recently and/or are experiencing symptoms of Lyme disease or co-infections, Dr. Maloof recommends considering a testing option with your doctor. If you are considering testing or wondering if your symptoms are possibly tick related, Dr. Maloof offers complimentary phone consultations to briefly discuss your current symptoms and health goals for those interested in possibly establishing care in her office.  Please call Atlas Naturopathic at (207) 466-9079 if interested in scheduling a phone consultation.  Atlas Naturopathic is also now selling a natural tick repellant along with spray bottles to easily make your own natural, effective tick repellant, sold to both patients and walk in customers at our Rockport office.

 

1 “Lyme Disease Maps: Most Recent Year.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, https://www.cdc.gov/lyme/datasurveillance/maps-recent.html

2 “Report to Maine Legislature Lyme and other Tickborne Illnesses.” Maine Department of Health and Human Services, Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Disease Surveillance, Infectious Disease Epidemiology Program, 31 Jan. 2020, https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/mecdc/infectious-disease/epi/vector-borne/lyme/documents/Lyme-Legislative-Report-2020.pdf

3 “MyLymeData Patient Registry Highlights.” MyLymeData, https://www.lymedisease.org/assets/about-my-lyme-data.pdf

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

About Dr. Alison R Maloof, ND
Dr. Maloof is a Naturopathic Doctor practicing at Atlas Naturopathic Health Center, a family healthcare practice in Rockport.  Dr. Maloof believes in treating her patients with a holistic approach, mapping a unique treatment plan based on your needs. She utilizes both modern and traditional therapies. Some of her featured services include: personalized nutrition, botanical medicine, hydrotherapy, homeopathy and professional-grade supplements. Dr. Maloof treats many conditions including: menopause, skin conditions, tick-borne diseases, autoimmune disorders, GI disorders, anxiety/depression, chronic conditions, men & women’s health, and more.

Dr. Maloof is accepting new patients at Atlas Naturopathic Health Center. She offers complimentary 15-minute phone consults to see if naturopathic medicine is the right fit for your needs.

For more information please visit https://www.atlasnaturopathic.com or call 207-466-9079.