Pertussis and Other Childhood Respiratory Illnesses Circulating in Maine
Childhood respiratory illnesses like pertussis, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and influenza are circulating in Maine and should be considered in addition to COVID-19.
Extending the Use of Rapid Antigen Testing Supplies
During the COVID-19 pandemic, various components of the testing supply chain (e.g., test kits, reagents, swabs) have been in short supply. Though the testing supply chain has stabilized, it remains vulnerable to increases in COVID-19 transmission, such as the one Maine is experiencing now.
Influenza Arrives in Maine
Influenza has arrived in Maine. Multiple Maine facilities reported influenza positive rapid results in recent weeks, and Maine's Health and Environmental Testing Laboratory (HETL) has just confirmed two cases using real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (real time-RT PCR) testing. Both specimens tested positive for influenza A/H3. These individuals are adults who were not hospitalized. One patient was unvaccinated, and the vaccine status remains unknown for the other.
Booster Doses of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine
This week, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration authorized, and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended, administration of a booster dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for certain individuals.
US CDC: Rapid Increase in Ivermectin Prescriptions and Reports of Severe Illness Associated with Use of Products Containing Ivermectin to Prevent or Treat COVID-19
This Health Advisory from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is being posted by Maine CDC to ensure widest visibility.
Increased Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Activity in Maine
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is circulating in Maine at a higher rate than usual for this time of year. Health care providers should consider testing patients with acute respiratory illness for RSV. To prevent transmission of RSV and other respiratory viruses, people with respiratory symptoms should refrain from in-person work, school, or daycare while acutely ill. This recommendation applies even if they have tested negative for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.
Use of an additional mRNA COVID-19 vaccine dose after an initial 2-dose primary mRNA COVID-19 vaccine series for immunocompromised people
On August 12, 2021, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration modified the Emergency Use Authorizations (EUAs) for the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines to allow for administration of an additional dose (i.e., a third dose) of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine after an initial 2-dose primary mRNA COVID-19 vaccine series for certain immunocompromised people.
Maine DEP Issues Air Quality Alert for Thursday, August 12th
This message from the Maine Department of Environmental Protection is being forwarded by the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention to ensure widest visibility.
Health Risks from Extreme Heat this Week
Maine will experience extremely hot and humid weather this week. The Maine CDC would like to remind health care providers, caregivers, and public health professionals to identify those in their care at increased risk and advise them to take precautions to prevent heat illness.
Cluster of Legionellosis Cases - Greater Bangor Area
In the greater Bangor area, Penobscot County, Maine, physicians have reported 4 confirmed cases of legionellosis from July 1, 2021 to July 31, 2021, 3 of which required intubation. Cases range in age from 38 to 67 years old. Maine CDC has not identified a common exposure among cases.