• Read more about Update on COVID-19 Therapeutics

This health alert provides updates on (1) the use of monoclonal antibody therapies and (2) the availability of oral antivirals and infusion therapies for outpatients with COVID-19. This alert also contains information on how healthcare providers and patients can access oral antivirals and infusion therapies, which must be started in the first few days after symptom onset. Finally, this alert provides information on a long-acting monoclonal antibody therapy for pre-exposure prophylaxis in immunocompromised patients.

• Read more about US CDC: Using Therapeutics to Prevent and Treat COVID-19

The SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant has quickly become the dominant variant of concern in the United States and is present in all 50 states. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that eligible individuals receive all vaccines and booster shots as the best preventive measure available against severe disease, hospitalizations, and death due to COVID-19. Therapeutics are also available for preventing and treating COVID-19 in specific at-risk populations.

• Read more about Rapid Increase of Omicron Variant Infections in the United States: Management of Healthcare Personnel with SARS-CoV-2 Infection or Exposure

Due to the increased transmissibility of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant and concerns about potential impacts on the healthcare system, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Maine CDC are updating recommendations to enhance protection for healthcare personnel, patients, and visitors, and ensure adequate staffing in healthcare facilities. The guidance is based on the limited information currently available about the Omicron variant and will be updated as needed as new information becomes available.

• Read more about Reporting Urgent Notifiable Conditions by Telephone

Maine CDC would like to remind providers and laboratories to immediately report all Urgent Notifiable Conditions on recognition or strong suspicion of disease by phone to Maine CDC at 1-800-821-5821.

The sustained ongoing challenges posed by the COVID-19 response elevates the importance of immediately reporting Urgent Notifiable Conditions by phone and not relying on electronic laboratory reports or faxing.

• Read more about U.S. CDC: Increasing Seasonal Influenza A(H3N2) Activity, Especially Among Young Adults and in College and University Settings, During SARS-CoV-2 Co-Circulation

The attached HAN message titled Increasing Seasonal Influenza A(H3N2) Activity, Especially Among Young Adults and in College and University Settings, During SARS-CoV-2 Co-Circulation was sent by US CDC on November 24, 2021. Maine CDC is forwarding this federal HAN message to ensure widest visibility.

• Read more about Tickborne Illness Risk Remains High Amid Record Numbers of Reported Anaplasmosis and Babesiosis Cases

Maine CDC would like to alert clinicians that the tick season in Maine continues to be very active this year, posing increased risk of tickborne disease. Maine CDC reported record numbers of anaplasmosis and babesiosis cases, surpassing the record number of cases reported in 2019. As of November 23, 2021, Maine reported 1,276 cases of Lyme disease, 748 cases of anaplasmosis, 184 cases of babesiosis, eight cases of Borrelia miyamotoi, and three cases of Powassan encephalitis.

• Read more about Expanded Eligibility of COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Shots for All Adults 18 and Up

Based on sustained COVID-19 community transmission rates, Maine CDC has concluded that all individuals are at high risk for COVID-19 exposure. Accordingly, effective immediately, all Mainers age 18 years or older who received the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine are eligible for a booster dose at least six months after the second dose of their primary series. Those who received the single-dose J&J vaccine remain eligible for a booster dose at least two months after their initial dose.

• Read more about Pertussis and Other Childhood Respiratory Illnesses Circulating in Maine

Childhood respiratory illnesses like pertussis, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and influenza are circulating in Maine and should be considered in addition to COVID-19.

• Read more about Extending the Use of Rapid Antigen Testing Supplies

During the COVID-19 pandemic, various components of the testing supply chain (e.g., test kits, reagents, swabs) have been in short supply. Though the testing supply chain has stabilized, it remains vulnerable to increases in COVID-19 transmission, such as the one Maine is experiencing now.

• Read more about Influenza Arrives in Maine

Influenza has arrived in Maine. Multiple Maine facilities reported influenza positive rapid results in recent weeks, and Maine's Health and Environmental Testing Laboratory (HETL) has just confirmed two cases using real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (real time-RT PCR) testing. Both specimens tested positive for influenza A/H3. These individuals are adults who were not hospitalized. One patient was unvaccinated, and the vaccine status remains unknown for the other.