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PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — Public health officials in northern New England say 2014 was another big year for Lyme disease in the region.
Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention Director Sheila Pinette says the state is likely to exceed last year's record high of 1,384 cases of the illness. Vermont officials say their state is on track for its second- or third-highest total on record following the 2013 high of 671. New Hampshire officials say the Granite State's numbers are in line with recent years, which included a record-high in 2013.
Officials in the three states say better reporting methods and environmental factors caused the surge.
Lyme disease symptoms include headache, fever and joint pain. The disease can cause muscle weakness, numbness and heart problems if it reaches advanced stages.
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