Although most influenza
activity occurs from October to May in the U.S., flu viruses are detected year
round. Providers in Maine have reported positive rapid influenza and
serology tests in the last month. Summer and early fall are also the
prime time for agricultural fairs, which provides an increased risk for flu
associated with swine contact.
Maine CDC requests that all rapid
positive influenza samples during the summer months be forwarded to Maine’s
Health and Environmental Testing Laboratory (HETL) for confirmation and
typing. This will allow us to monitor the circulating strains, and
identify any variants if present.
If a provider sees a patient with
flu-like symptoms who has swine or bird exposures; samples should be sent to
HETL for testing. Rapid tests may not pick up variant strains, and only
the state lab is capable of determining if a strain is a variant.
Reporting requirements
- Suspected novel or variant cases should be reported
immediately by phone to 800-821-5821.
- Outbreaks and pediatric deaths are required to be
reported
- We appreciate all positive lab tests, reported by fax
(207-287-6865 or 800-293-7534) or by phone (800-821-5821) but this is not
required
Additional Information
- Maine CDC’s influenza webpage: www.maineflu.gov
- Federal CDC’s influenza webpage: www.cdc.gov/flu
- HETL submission forms: www.mainepublichealth.gov/lab
