• Read more about U.S. CDC: Increase in Pediatric Invasive Group A Streptococcal Infections

The United States has seen a rise in invasive Group A Streptococcal infections. From November 1 to December 31, 2022, Maine CDC identified 25 cases, one of which was in a pediatric patient. This is higher than seen in this time frame in the last 5 years (average of 12 cases in November and December). Please remember that invasive Group A Strep is a reportable condition in the State of Maine. Please take a moment to review this information from US CDC that includes key recommendations for health providers, laboratories, and the general public.

• Read more about Important Updates on COVID-19 Therapeutics for Treatment and Prevention

Most COVID-19 deaths are preventable with currently available treatments, yet many patients miss the opportunity to get treated in the outpatient setting while symptoms are mild. A recent U.S. CDC study found that only 28% of people eligible for treatment actually get treated. Paxlovid (ritonavir-boosted nirmatrelvir), Veklury (remdesivir), and Lagevrio (molnupiravir) remain effective against all currently circulating variants. Please review this latest U.S. CDC information on COVID-19 treatment.

• Read more about Prioritize Antiviral Treatment of Influenza in the Setting of Reduced Availability of Oseltamivir

This Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Advisory provides clinicians and public health officials with guidance for prioritizing oseltamivir for treatment and information on other influenza antivirals that are recommended for treating influenza in areas where oseltamivir is temporarily unavailable.

• Read more about Increase in Syphilis in Maine

• Syphilis cases have been increasing in Maine over the past several years, particularly among women.
• The increase in syphilis cases among women of reproductive age is concerning because of the potential risk of congenital syphilis if she is pregnant.
• All pregnant persons at the first prenatal visit, and retest at 28 weeks gestation and at delivery if at high risk
• Maine CDC recommends testing for syphilis in all patients who are obtaining any sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing.

• Read more about Elevated Influenza Activity in Maine

Influenza activity is increasing in all 16 counties in Maine. Maine CDC's Health and Environmental Testing Laboratory (HETL) has confirmed that influenza A/pH1N1, influenza A/H3, and influenza B/Victoria are currently circulating in Maine. Influenza vaccination is the best way to prevent illness. It is not too late to get influenza vaccine. Vaccination is strongly encouraged throughout the season, and vaccines are widely available.

• Read more about Deauthorization of Bebtelovimab Treatment for COVID-19

FDA today revoked the emergency use authorization for bebtelovimab, a monoclonal antibody therapy. Accordingly, bebtelovimab may no longer be used for COVID-19 treatment in the U.S. With the continued appearance of new variants, COVID-19 infection is now likely to be due to variants resistant to all monoclonal antibody therapies.

• Read more about U.S. CDC: Update on Managing Monkeypox in Patients Receiving Therapeutics

Monkeypox remains an emerging threat across the US. Maine has seen a small number of patient infections with monkeypox reported to public health, mostly among men who have sex with men. Healthcare providers should be aware of updated information on monkeypox treatment. Please take a moment to review this information from U.S. CDC regarding treatment of monkeypox.

• Read more about Elevated Rates of Hepatitis A Infection Linked to Ongoing Person-to-Person Transmission

The purpose of this advisory is to inform healthcare providers and community-based organizations that:

• Read more about U.S. CDC: Update on Ebola Virus Disease (Sudan ebolavirus) Outbreak in Central Uganda

Maine CDC encourages healthcare providers and facilities to review this information from U.S. CDC regarding the current U.S. federal response to the Ebola outbreak in Uganda.

All confirmed and suspected patients with Ebola virus disease must be reported immediately to Maine CDC by phone at 800-821-5821.

• Read more about Change to Guidelines for Specimen Collection Tubes for Venous Whole Blood Lead Analyses

The purpose of this advisory is to inform clinical laboratories and health care providers in Maine about changes to guidelines for submitting venous whole blood lead specimens to the Maine CDC's Health and Environmental Testing Laboratory (HETL). HETL is updating its guidelines given concerns, recently identified in Maine and nationally, that some lavender-top specimen collection tubes may be contaminated with lead, potentially producing falsely elevated results.