In Florida, Lyme disease is rare. The state had 30 confirmed cases in 2002. Many of those people likely contracted the disease elsewhere.
The state does have deer ticks.
"One hypothesis (for the low incidence of Lyme disease) is that our deer ticks have a different feeding pattern," says Dr. Carina Blackmore, acting state public health veterinarian with the Florida Department of Health. "They don't use mice as much as hosts. They feed on reptiles here, and reptiles are lousy hosts for deer ticks."
Although Lyme disease has been reported in nearly every state, more than 98 percent of the cases occur in the coastal Northeast, Middle Atlantic states, Wisconsin, Minnesota and Northern California, according to the Department of Health and Human Services. The disease also is found in Asia and Europe.
Travelers, particularly outdoor types, should take note, Blackmore says.
