Universal Testing in Congregate Living Settings
Maine CDC has adopted the attached recommendations regarding universal testing in congregate living settings. This policy may be updated as scientific understanding of COVID-19 evolves.
Increased COVID-19 Testing Capacity at Maine CDC Laboratory
On March 25, 2020, Maine met U.S. CDC's criteria for a Moderate level of community transmission for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Since then Maine's testing capacity has been inhibited by the limited national supply of laboratory materials and testing equipment. To preserve specimen collection and testing supplies for patients who may develop severe COVID-19 illness, Maine CDCs Health and Environmental Testing Laboratory (HETL) has, until now, had to prioritize testing for individuals in high-risk categories.
2020 Lyme and Other Tickborne Disease Information
Lyme disease is the most common vectorborne disease in Maine. Ticks are already active, and we expect the number of Lyme disease cases to increase as the weather continues to get warmer. May is Lyme Disease Awareness Month in Maine and we want to encourage Mainers to use the "Tick Tock" strategies to stay tick free.
Pediatric Multi-System Inflammatory Syndrome Potentially Associated with COVID-19
A pediatric multi-system inflammatory syndrome, recently reported by authorities in the United Kingdom, is also being observed among children and young adults in New York and elsewhere in the United States. Clinical features vary, depending on the affected organ system, but have been noted to include features of Kawasaki disease or features of shock; however, the full spectrum of disease is not yet known. Only severe cases may have been recognized at this time.
Health Risks from Browntail Moths
The browntail moth is an invasive species of both forest and human health concern. Maine and Massachusetts are the only states in the U.S. experiencing problems with this moth. The tiny, microscopic hairs found on browntail moth caterpillars, shed skins, and cocoons can cause skin reactions.
Testing for COVID-19 - Antibody Testing
Antibody-based tests for the detection of antibodies against coronaviruses are now available through commercial laboratories. Only a select few of these tests are specific for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Providers should review the COVID-19 Antibody Testing Primer from the Infectious Disease Society of America (IDSA) about serology-based tests for COVID-19.
Temporary Updates to the Notifiable Diseases and Conditions List - SARS CoV-2 and COVID-19 Deaths
Reporting of notifiable diseases and conditions is required under 22 M.R.S., Chapter 250, 802 and 822. Failure to report could result in preventable morbidity or mortality. Maine CDC is authorized to advise through publicly noticed Health Alerts the public health need for the temporary reporting of any disease or condition in the state of Maine in order to study and control any apparent outbreak or unusual occurrence of communicable diseases.
This Health Alert serves as notice for two temporary changes to the Notifiable Diseases and Conditions List.
Updated Guidance for COVID-19 Testing
On March 15, 2020, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (U.S. CDC) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued new guidance for collection, handling, and testing clinical specimens from persons for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).
Actions to Take Now for Community Transmission of COVID-19
As of March 15, 2020, there are 7 confirmed and 5 presumptive positive COVID-19 cases in Maine. Community transmission is occurring in Cumberland County. The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC) expects to see community transmission in other areas of Maine, possibly in the coming days. Such transmission will likely mean large numbers of patients needing medical care at the same time, stressing health care providers, hospitals, and other health care facilities.