• Read more about U.S. CDC: Measles Exposure at a Large Gathering in Kentucky (February 2023) and Global Measles Outbreaks

Please review this information regarding a large group event in Kentucky last month leading to measles cases across the country. Measles is a reportable condition: cases should be reported immediately to Maine CDC at 800-821-5821 on recognition or strong suspicion of disease. Labs should submit isolates and clinical specimens to Maine CDC for confirmation. Antibody and PCR testing can be performed at some commercial laboratories.PCR testing can be performed at Maine's Health and Environmental Testing Laboratory (HETL).

• Read more about Increase in Extensively Drug-Resistant Shigellosis in the United States

Please take a moment to review this information from U.S. CDC that includes key recommendations for health providers, laboratories, and the general public. The United States has seen a rise in extensively drug-resistant shigellosis. In 2022, Maine CDC identified 11 cases of shigellosis (preliminary data as of February 28, 2023). Shigellosis is a reportable disease in the State of Maine. All Shigella isolates and specimens are required to be sent to the Maine Health and Environmental Testing Laboratory.

• Read more about Updates on Mpox Surveillance, Testing, Treatment, and Vaccination in Maine

As of February 15, 2023, a total of 30,193 cases of mpox and 32 deaths have been reported nationwide as part of the 2022 mpox outbreak. Mpox case counts have fallen in recent months, from an average of over 400 cases a day in August 2022 to less than five per day in February 2023. Thirteen mpox cases were reported in Maine residents in 2022 (preliminary data as of February 28, 2023) and no cases have been reported so far in 2023.

• Read more about Gonorrhea with Resistance or Reduced Susceptibility to Multiple Antibiotics Identified in Massachusetts

Massachusetts recently identified a novel strain of multidrug-non-susceptible Neisseria gonorrhoeae (N. gonorrhoeae) with resistance or reduced susceptibility to all drugs that are recommended for treatment in the U.S. The novel strain, identified in Massachusetts, showed reduced susceptibility to ceftriaxone, cefixime, and azithromycin and showed resistance to ciprofloxacin, penicillin, and tetracycline. This is the first isolate identified in the U.S. showing resistance or reduced susceptibility to all drugs that are recommended for treatment.

• Read more about Outbreak of Extensively Drug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa Associated with Artificial Tears

Please review this national alert regarding a healthcare product contaminated with extensively drug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Maine has not identified any cases linked to this outbreak. Removing contaminated artificial tears from healthcare facilities and homes will avoid actual tears caused by infections. Carbapenemase-producing organisms, like the organism identified in this investigation, are a reportable condition in Maine.

• Read more about Evusheld No Longer Authorized for Emergency Use in the U.S.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced on January 26, 2023, that the Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for Evusheld (tixagevimab co-packaged with cilgavimab) has been revised and based on this revision, Evusheld is not currently authorized for use in the U.S. This is because it is unlikely to be active against more than 90% of the SARS-CoV-2 variants currently circulating in the U.S. based on the latest CDC data.

• Read more about Case of Congenital Syphilis in Maine

Syphilis rates in the United States (U.S.) have been increasing since 2012. From 2012 through 2021, the rate of syphilis cases increased by 224% in the U.S. and by 405% in Maine. In 2022, 112 cases of syphilis were reported in Maine, 20.5% of whom were women between the ages of 15 and 44 years (preliminary data).

• 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.