Maine Grief Support Groups (In-Person and Online)
Maine Grief Support Groups (In-Person and Online)
- Androscoggin County
15 Strawberry Avenue, Lewiston Tel: (207) 777-7740 or (800) 482-7412
Bereavement Coordinator: Amy Dulac bereavement@androscoggin.org or (207) 795-9468
Contact Amy to learn more about their no-cost services, which include:
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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. Providers should be aware of the risk of browntail moth hairs, and the public should know what they can do to help reduce exposure to browntail moth caterpillar hairs. Browntail moth caterpillars are hairy, dark brown caterpillars with two red-orange dots on the back.
Expanded Measles Vaccination Recommendations for Domestic Travel
As of April 3, 2025, the U.S. CDC had been notified of 607 confirmed cases of measles across 22 states and jurisdictions. Measles is an airborne, extremely infectious, potentially severe rash illness. Since January 1, 2025, 12% of reported measles cases in the United States have been hospitalized. At the time of sending this HAN, the U.S. CDC has confirmed two measles deaths in 2025.
Influenza-Associated Pediatric Death
The Maine CDC received notification of an influenza-associated pediatric death on Wednesday, March 19, 2025. The child tested positive for influenza B. This is the first influenza-associated pediatric death in Maine during the 2024-2025 influenza season.
U.S. CDC: Ongoing Risk of Dengue Virus Infections and Updated Testing Recommendations in the United States
Please take a moment to review this U.S. CDC health advisory about an increased risk of dengue virus infections in the U.S. in connection with an ongoing global surge in dengue activity. The risk of locally-transmitted dengue in Maine remains very low. People in Maine are more likely to acquire dengue infection while traveling to locations with ongoing dengue activity. So far in 2025, Maine reported one confirmed dengue case in a returning traveler.
HIV and Hepatitis C: Penobscot County Updates and Clinical Guidance Package
The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (the Maine CDC) has been responding to an outbreak of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections in people who inject drugs (PWID) in Penobscot County since February 2024. The first case in what was later determined to be a cluster was identified in October 2023. Most of these persons are coinfected with Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) and were unhoused in the year prior to HIV diagnosis. The Maine CDC is working with community partners and health care providers on further detection and response activities.
U.S. CDC: Expanding Measles Outbreak in Texas and New Mexico and Guidance for the Upcoming Travel Season
Please take a moment to review this update on measles activity in the United States, information on measles prevention, and response guidance for the upcoming travel season. A large measles outbreak is ongoing in Texas and New Mexico. Smaller outbreaks have been reported in New Jersey and Georgia, and there are other cases in several additional states. No measles cases have been reported in Maine in 2025; the most recent case was in 2019. Of particular concern is the outbreak in Texas/New Mexico, where measles is circulating in a close-knit community with low vaccination coverage.