The epidemiology of Lyme disease in Connecticut

The overall incidence for Lyme disease for Connecticut residents in 1988 was 22 per 100,000. The highest rates were among residents of New London (108 per 100,000) and Middlesex Counties (72 per 100,000), although the greatest increase in incidence between 1985 and 1988 occurred among residents of Fairfield County (2 per 100,000 in 1985, 14 per 100,000 in 1988). Lyme disease is a statewide problem; in 1988 cases were reported among residents of 104 of Connecticut's 169 towns and cities. The disease burden in some communities is high with case rates approaching 1% of the population per year. Data from 1977 and 1985 suggest a three- to eightfold increase during that period in the occurrence of Lyme disease in the communities near the mouth of the Connecticut River. Continued reporting of cases with supporting clinical information is needed to improve Lyme disease surveillance and establish disease trends.