NASHUA, N.H. (AP) – New Hampshire health officials say cases of Lyme disease are slightly down this year.

Current figures contradict their statement in May that Lyme disease had increased sharply across New Hampshire.

Beth Daly, an epidemiologist for the Department of Health and Human Services says 456 cases have been reported between Jan 1 and Aug. 17, 2007. She notes that’s a little less than the 497 cases reported between the same period last year.

Of the cases reported this year, 115 cases have been confirmed. Last year there were 119 confirmed cases, according to state data.

There currently are about 100 cases under investigation across New Hampshire, the state said.