Maine DEP Issues Extended Air Quality Alert for Northern Maine Until July 16
The Maine Department of Environmental Protection has issued an extended air quality alert for northern regions of the state due to wildfire smoke. Forecasts indicate that pollution levels will reach levels considered Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (USG). This alert is now in effect until Wednesday, July 16, 2025.
HIV and Other Infectious Disease Testing in Pregnant Persons
People of childbearing age are at risk for infectious diseases, including HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. These infections can have devastating effects on the pregnant person, fetus, or newborn. Many pregnant persons are tested for infectious diseases early in pregnancy, however gaps in testing and access to care persist later in pregnancy and leave patients vulnerable. Clinicians should conduct HIV testing in the third trimester of pregnancy on an opt-out basis, particularly for people at ongoing elevated risk of infection via needle-sharing or sexual encounters.
Water Operators' Board
The Board of Licensure of Water System Operators was created by Maine Statute Chapter 22 Chapter 601 Subchapter 3. Rules developed to carry out this sub-chapter are Rules Relating to the Licensure of Water System Operators (MS Word) and include the classification of water systems determined by treatment and distribution qualities, establishes licens
Annual Drinking Water Fee
The Maine Public Drinking Water Commission is responsible for annually reviewing and approving the drinking water fee. Due to increasing programmatic costs, the Commission has approved an Annual Drinking Water Fee increase for the first time since 2019.
Tuberculosis Reporting and Billing Updates
The Maine CDC is pleased to announce that we have added new functionalities to our Tuberculosis (TB) reporting system. Providers are instructed to submit TB referrals and physician orders only using the online reporting form and discontinue submitting information by phone, email or fax. Providers were instructed in January that the switch to the online reporting form would occur.
Training Page
About Measles
Measles is a respiratory disease caused by a virus that spreads easily from person-to-person. It can spread through the air by breathing, coughing, or sneezing. This disease is also called rubeola. Measles can be prevented with vaccines.
