Years of Ignored Warnings: Lessons from Katrina, Lyme Disease and Recent Realities

Tick BYTES LLC Draws Parallels and Shares Online Resources to Safeguard Our Families

WINDHAM, Maine, Aug. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- As the twentieth anniversary of Hurricane Katrina approaches—a disaster that reshaped New Orleans and stunned the nation—it's an important moment to reflect on the value of heeding warnings and preparing for future threats. Katrina's destruction came with a surge of floodwaters; today, many U.S. communities face a slower-moving but equally serious danger: the ongoing spread of Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses. Different in origin and scale, both disasters share a clear message—warnings unheeded can carry devastating costs.

Disasters Foretold, Disasters Unheeded

Before Katrina struck in 2005, years of warnings about New Orleans' vulnerable levee system went largely ignored. The result: more than 1,800 deaths, massive displacement, and a recovery still underway. Likewise, Lyme disease—the most common vector-borne illness in the U.S.—has been steadily expanding since its discovery in the 1970s. A recent Portland Press Herald article reports a steady increase of Lyme disease cases (and other tick-borne illnesses) in the State of Maine. Despite rising case numbers, responses have often been slow, with fragmented public messaging and inadequate prevention funding.

Recent Accounts: The Youngest at Risk

A recent case underscores just how vulnerable even newborns are to tick-borne illnesses. NBC Boston reports that in Massachusetts, a five-week-old infant was bitten by a tick and diagnosed with Powassan virus—a rare but potentially severe infection. The incident drew swift attention from pediatricians, infectious disease experts, and public health officials, highlighting that ticks threaten not only adults, children, and pets, but also infants. It's a reminder for families, neighborhoods, and communities to step up prevention and education efforts.

"This heartbreaking case is a reminder that prevention isn't optional—it's essential," said Barb Maurais, President of Tick BYTES. "We cannot afford to be reactive. Families need practical, accessible tools to protect themselves now."

Conclusion: The Cost of Disregard

The Massachusetts infant's story is poignant—and emblematic of a much larger, often overlooked reality. Powassan virus may be rare, but it's part of an epidemic of nearly 500,000 tick-borne disease cases each year in the U.S. Each number represents a personal ordeal: a baby's fever, a parent's sleepless nights, a community's push to protect its most vulnerable.

For every publicized case—such as the recent reveal by singer Justin Timberlake—countless others unfold quietly in homes and hospitals. Families may face weeks of uncertainty awaiting test results or years managing the effects of Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, babesiosis, and other illnesses. The emotional toll is significant, especially when children are involved.

These cases are not rare anomalies—they are part of a persistent public health challenge that demands vigilance, empathy, and investment. The experience of the Massachusetts infant is one of hundreds of thousands of stories urging greater awareness, better research, and stronger support for those affected. By acknowledging the scale of the issue, communities can push for prevention, timely diagnosis, and compassionate care—especially for the youngest among us.

About Tick BYTES

Drawing upon 20 years of Pest Management experience and patient advocacy, Tick BYTES (Back Yard Tick Eco-friendly Solutions) is an innovative do-it-yourself, step-by-step pest control model designed to engage, educate and empower homeowners, neighborhoods, and communities. You'll learn how to reduce pests, especially ticks and mosquitoes by integrating behavioral and cultural control strategies, utilizing time-tested application techniques, employing affordable battery powered backpack sprayers, and embracing eco-friendly botanical chemistry. The system is designed to be intuitive, scalable, and safe for families, pets, and pollinators alike.

"We're providing people with the tools and know-how to make a real difference on their own properties and to unite with their neighbors in the process," said Bob Maurais, Tick BYTES IPM (Integrated Pest Management) Coordinator. "A shared community responsibility to public health."

To learn more or join the DIY Tick BYTES tick and mosquito control community, visit www.tickbytes.us.

Contact:
Tick BYTES LLC, 354 Gray Road, Windham, ME 04062
Bob & Barb Maurais: 207-893-8035
Email: [email protected]

SOURCE Tick BYTES LLC