• Read more about Varicella Testing and Reporting Recommendations

Maine CDC is seeing a rise in the number of reported cases of varicella (chickenpox). Varicella is a notifiable condition in Maine, and all confirmed or suspect cases of varicella should be reported to Maine CDC.

The number of reported cases of varicella decreased in 2020, likely due to reduced person-to-person transmission because of COVID-19 restrictions. Since January 1, 2021, Maine has identified 46 cases of varicella from all 16 counties (data as of 07/29/2021), including two outbreaks in child care facilities.

• Read more about Standing Order for COVID-19 Testing

On July 1, 2021, Maine CDC issued a revised Standing Order ("Order") that authorizes health care providers or other trained personnel at a health care facility or medically supervised COVID collection site (collection site) in the state to collect and submit specimens of SARS-CoV-2 for molecular or antigen-based testing.

• Read more about Human Powassan Case and Arbovirus Update for Healthcare Providers in Maine

The purpose of this health advisory is to alert clinicians to the potential for human arboviral disease activity in Maine and to consider testing for arboviruses in patients presenting with unexplained encephalitis, meningitis or high fever (100.4F or 38C) during the summer and fall.

Maine CDC identified a human case of Powassan encephalitis in a Maine resident who resides in midcoastal Maine. The individual was symptomatic in late June and hospitalized. CDC Fort Collins confirmed the Powassan result in this individual by neutralization testing.

• Read more about Changes to HETL COVID-19 Testing Operational Schedule

On Monday, June 28, 2021, the hours of operation for the clinical microbiology section at the Maine CDC Health and Environmental Testing Laboratory (HETL) will shift to 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. As a result, HETL will not conduct COVID-19 PCR testing on Saturday or Sunday.

• Read more about Maine DEP Issues Air Quality Alert for Monday, June 7, 2021

[This message from the Maine Department of Environmental Protection is being forwarded by the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention to ensure widest visibility.]

• Read more about Acute Hepatitis A Case in a Food Service Worker in Eastport, Maine

The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC) has identified a case of acute hepatitis A virus infection in an Eastport, Maine, food service worker. The individual handled food in the deli at the R&M IGA at 88 Washington Street in Eastport, Maine, while infectious on the following dates in 2021: May 3-6, May 8, May 10-13, May 15, and May 18-20. Deli food items purchased on May 3-22 should be discarded or cooked thoroughly.

• Read more about Cases of Myocarditis/Pericarditis Following COVID-19 Vaccination

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is aware of reports of myocarditis and pericarditis after receipt of a COVID-19 vaccine. The reports appear to be rare, given the number of vaccine doses administered to date. U.S. CDC is investigating whether there is any causal association or an increase of such events relative to the background rates.

• Read more about 2021 Lyme and Other Tickborne Disease Information

Lyme disease is the most common vectorborne disease in Maine. Ticks are already active, 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 stay tick free using "Stop. Check. Prevent."

• Read more about 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 microscopic hairs found on browntail moth caterpillars, shed skins, and cocoons can cause skin reactions and breathing problems.

• Read more about Cases of Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia after Receipt of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 Vaccine

Maine CDC is forwarding this HAN message from US CDC to ensure widest visibility.

Maine CDC is not aware of any reports of these cases in Maine residents. The State of Maine is advising that providers pause administration of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine until the US CDC's scientific advisory committee has further reviewed the safety data. Maine CDC is working with administration partners to provide an alternative supply of the mRNA vaccines to clinics already scheduled so they can continue operations.