A researcher recently shared some exciting news about a potential vaccine for Lyme disease. According to Dr. Robert Smith, who heads the Vector-Borne Disease Lab at MaineHealth Institute for Research in Scarborough, the vaccine is showing real promise in preventing Lyme disease. If it continues to prove safe and effective, it could be ready for the public within the next two to three years.
This news comes at a critical time for Maine, which saw a record number of Lyme infections in 2023, totaling 2,943 reported cases. Over the past decade, the state has been experiencing a steady increase in Lyme disease cases. Lyme disease, transmitted by deer ticks, can lead to symptoms such as fever, headache, fatigue, joint pain, muscle aches, and swollen lymph nodes. While a bulls-eye rash at the tick bite site is common, it doesn’t always appear.
While Lyme disease can be effectively treated with antibiotics if caught early, some individuals continue to experience chronic symptoms long after the infection has resolved. This is why scientists have been diligently working on developing a safe and effective vaccine to prevent the disease altogether. MaineHealth’s participation in the research trial for this potential Lyme vaccine offers hope for a significant reduction in Lyme cases in Maine and beyond, once it’s approved by federal regulators.
