With tick-borne illnesses surging, we must strengthen research, prevention, and education

BANGOR DAILY NEWS • September 1, 2026

Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses continue to pose a major public health threat. An estimated 500,000 Americans are diagnosed and treated for Lyme disease each year, an increase of more than 2,000 percent over the last 20 years. Here in Maine, a record 4,200 cases were reported in 2025, more than three times the number reported in 2020. Experts predict tick populations will increase again this year following a winter that was not consistently cold enough to reduce their numbers. Nearly seven years ago, a bill which I co-authored was signed into law. It established a comprehensive approach to combat Lyme and other vector-borne diseases at the national, state, and local levels. Earlier this month, I led legislation strengthening that landmark law passed the Senate. I am optimistic the House will pass the bill before the end of the year. ~ Susan M. Collins represents Maine in the U.S. Senate