• Read more about U.S. CDC: Outbreak of Suspected Fungal Meningitis in U.S. Patients who Underwent Surgical Procedures under Epidural Anesthesia in Matamoros, Mexico

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (U.S. CDC) is issuing this Health Alert Network Health Advisory about an outbreak of suspected fungal meningitis among U.S. patients hospitalized in Texas after undergoing cosmetic procedures under epidural anesthesia in the city of Matamoros, state of Tamaulipas, Mexico. It is currently unknown which organism(s) is causing the outbreak. A fungal etiology is suspected based on elevated cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels of the fungal biomarker (1,3)-beta-D-glucan in at least one patient.

• Read more about U.S. CDC: Potential Risk for New Mpox Cases

Please review this important information from U.S. CDC regarding ongoing risks for mpox in the United States and recommendations for clinicians.

• Read more about 2023 Lyme and Other Tickborne Disease Information

Ticks are already active this year. As the weather continues to get warmer into the spring and summer months, Maine expects the number of Lyme and other tickborne disease case reports to increase. The purpose of this advisory is to provide healthcare providers with useful information on how to assess and care for patients with possible tickborne disease infections. May is Lyme Disease Awareness Month in Maine and Maine CDC encourages all Mainers to stay "Tick Free ME."

• Read more about Measles Exposure in Maine

Maine's Health and Environmental Testing Laboratory has notified Maine CDC of a positive PCR test for measles in a child. The individual is now isolated at home. Potentially exposed individuals should check their immunization status and monitor for symptoms. The best protection against measles is vaccination. Maine CDC is asking clinicians to increase surveillance for rash illness suggestive of measles to identify early potential cases and prevent the spread of disease and to promptly see any patients seeking post-exposure prophylaxis.

• Read more about Health Risks from Browntail Moths

The browntail moth is an invasive species of both forest and human health concern. Maine is the only state in the U.S. currently experiencing widespread problems with this moth. The microscopic hairs found on browntail moth caterpillars, shed skins, and cocoons can cause skin reactions and breathing problems.

• Read more about Marburg Virus Disease Outbreaks in Equatorial Guinea and Tanzania

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (U.S. CDC) is issuing this Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Advisory to inform clinicians and public health departments in the United States about two confirmed outbreaks of Marburg virus disease (MVD)-one in Equatorial Guinea and one in Tanzania. Currently, there is no evidence to suggest that these two outbreaks are related; most experts agree that these represent two independent animal-to-human spillover events.

• Read more about Pertussis Circulating in Maine

Cases of pertussis are on the rise in Maine. It is important for healthcare providers to be able to recognize the signs and symptoms of pertussis, test for pertussis, treat pertussis, determine who should receive prophylaxis, and vaccinate patients against pertussis.

• Read more about Diagnosis and Treatment of Syphilis in Pregnant People

Maine CDC recently received notification of a case of congenital syphilis (CS). This is the second case of CS reported to Maine CDC in the past three months. Prior to December 2022, there had not been a case of CS reported in Maine in nearly 30 years.

• Read more about Think. Test. Treat Tuberculosis (TB) in Maine

March 24 is World TB Day. World TB Day is a time to recognize achievements and to renew our commitment to ending tuberculosis (TB) in the United States.

Recognize the signs and symptoms of TB disease, test for TB infection, and treat latent TB infection (LTBI) and TB disease.

• Read more about U.S. CDC: Increased Chikungunya Virus Activity in Paraguay and Associated Risk to Travelers

Please review this advisory on the potential for chikungunya infection after travel to Paraguay. Consider testing for chikungunya in patients with unexplained encephalitis, meningitis, fever, or polyarthralgia. Chikungunya is a serious arboviral infection transmitted from the bite of an infected mosquito. Maine does not have mosquitoes that transmit this virus and there is no risk of local transmission. Most people are infected while travelling abroad to an area with known chikungunya activity. This disease has potentially severe and even fatal consequences for those who contract it.