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.
Confirmed Measles Case in Maine
Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention is reporting the first case of measles in Maine this year. Maine CDC confirmed the case on May 20th, 2019. The case involves a school aged child from Somerset County. The child was vaccinated, did not have any serious complications, and is fully recovered from the disease. Maine CDC is working with the family and clinicians to identify exposed contacts and to assess contacts for evidence of immunity. Measles is a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by a virus.
Acute Hepatitis A Case in a Food Service Worker in Caribou, Maine
Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC) identified a case of acute hepatitis A virus infection in a Caribou, Maine food service worker. The case prepped food while infectious from April 24, 2019 thru May 13, 2019. A public health assessment of the employee's illness determined that restaurant patrons may be at risk for hepatitis A infection.
2019 Lyme and other Tickborne Disease Information
Lyme disease is the most common vectorborne disease in Maine. Ticks are already out 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 Aware and Tick Alert" strategies to stay tick free.
The purpose of this advisory is to:
Viral Hepatitis Awareness Month: Information for Clinicians
May is Viral Hepatitis Awareness Month. Maine CDC urges clinicians to understand the burden of hepatitis B and C in Maine and to follow key recommendations for testing and prevention. All persons at risk for hepatitis B and C should be tested and those who are susceptible should be vaccinated forhepatitis A and hepatitis B.
MMR Guidance
Over the past few weeks, multiple news outlets have reported on the MMR vaccine, previous vaccine recommendations, and the potential for some adults to need additional doses of MMR vaccine. This HAN message contains the most current MMR vaccine recommendations from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Influenza-Associated Pediatric Death
Maine CDC received notification of an influenza-associated pediatric death on Monday, April 8, 2019. The child, a Washington County resident, was unvaccinated and tested positive for influenza A. This is the first influenza-associated pediatric death in Maine during the 2018-19 influenza season.
Influenza activity in Maine remains elevated. Influenza vaccination is strongly encouraged and is still widely available. Vaccination can reduce illness and prevent hospitalization and death.
Influenza Season Continues with Widespread Activity in Maine
Influenza activity remains elevated and widespread in Maine and throughout the United States. Influenza should continue to be considered as a possible diagnosis for patients with influenza-like illness, including a fever of 100F or higher and a cough or sore throat. Maine CDC recommends rapid antiviral treatment of high-risk patients with suspected influenza.
With sustained influenza activity, it is not too late to get vaccinated for the 2018-19 influenza season. Vaccination can reduce illness and prevent hospitalizations and death.