Maine Public Health

Norovirus

2012-02-09T08:30:00.000-05:00

Since the end of December, Maine CDC has investigated 16 reports of gastroenteritis outbreaks statewide. Norovirus Genotype II has been identified as the cause of one of the outbreaks. Norovirus infections typically increase during the winter months, and Maine CDC routinely receives reports of suspected and confirmed norovirus outbreaks each year. Public health partners are encouraged to consider norovirus when assessing clusters of gastroenteritis and to act promptly to prevent the spread of illness.

Noroviruses spread easily, causing more than 20 million gastroenteritis cases each year in the U.S. There's no vaccine to prevent norovirus infection and no drug to treat it. Wash your hands often and follow simple tips to stay virus-free.

For more information, see this health alert or this US CDC feature.

Salmonella associated with pet turtles

2012-02-08T16:17:00.000-05:00

US CDC is collaborating with the Pennsylvania State Health Department in an ongoing investigation of the outbreak of 132 human Salmonella infections between August 2010 and September 2011 associated with exposure to small turtles (those with shell lengths less than 4 inches). Many of these infections occurred in young children, whose illness can be severe and cause hospitalization.

Despite a three-decade ban on the sale of small turtles, these infections continue to occur. Turtles are not appropriate pets in households with young children or other high risk individuals (pregnant women, older persons and the immune-compromised).

For more information: http://www.cdc.gov/Features/SalmonellaFrogTurtle/

American Heart Month

2012-02-03T14:36:00.001-05:00

February is American Heart Month. Most of us know someone who has had a heartattack or stroke. In Maine about 23% of all deaths are from heartdisease and another 5% are from stroke.

You can help protect yourself and your loved onesfrom heart disease and stroke by understanding the risks and taking these steps:

Know your ABCS

Ask your doctor if you shouldtake an Aspirin every day
Find out if you have high Bloodpressure or Cholesterol, if you do, work with your doctor to treat it
If you Smoke, get help toquit

Be physically active at least 30minutes on most days
Eat more fruits, vegetables andother foods low in sodium and transfat
Take medicine as prescribed byyour doctor

For more information visit http://www.mainehearthealth.org/

Cervical Cancer Screening

2012-01-27T09:00:00.000-05:00

January is NationalCervical Cancer Awareness month, and Maine CDC encourages Maine women to schedule a Pap test,especially if it has been five or more years since the last test.

“Regularly scheduledPap tests are critical in preventing cervical cancer,’’ said Dr. SheilaPinette, Director of Maine CDC. “With the holiday rush over, now may be theperfect time to schedule a test.”

But going for aroutine Pap test can make all the difference - helping medical staff spotpotentially cancerous cells growing on the cervix, or neck of the womb, beforeit’s too late, said Dr. Pinette.

Women should check withtheir doctor to find out if they need a Pap test or other cancer screenings,including a mammogram, a FIT test (Fecal Immunochemical Test), or acolonoscopy.

For more informationabout breast,cervical,or colorectalcancer, or to learn if you qualifyfor free screening, women should call 1-800-350-5180 and press 1

Pertussis 2011 Summary

2012-01-25T08:52:00.002-05:00

More than 200 cases of pertussis (whooping cough) were reported toMaine CDC during 2011, far exceeding the number of reported cases in 2010 (53)and the 10-year average of 82 cases per year.

The number of cases reported perweek during 2011 peaked at 21 in the second week of November, but decreased to 5or fewer cases per week during December.The majority ofreported pertussis infections occurred in Penobscot County (67%), but sporadicinfections occurred in other parts of the state. Clusters of pertussis occurredin schools, camps, sport teams and workplaces.

Pertussis is caused by the bacteria Bordetellapertussis and is a highly communicable, vaccine-preventable, respiratorydisease that can last for many weeks. Pertussis is transmitted through directcontact with respiratory secretions of infected persons who cough or breathe onsomeone else. Classic pertussis symptoms include paroxysmal cough, whoop, andposttussive vomiting. Pertussis can causeserious illness and can even be life-threatening, especially in infants.

Maine CDC has worked extensively withschools and communities to implement control measures and prevent diseasetransmission. These efforts include numerous health communications to informmedical providers, school officials, child care providers, and the public aboutpertussis and how to prevent infections. Maine CDC collaborated with schoolofficials in two schools that experienced pertussis outbreaks to rapidlyorganize and stand up pertussis vaccination clinics. Maine CDC also requestedassistance from US CDC to better understand the school outbreaks,determine the effectiveness of pertussis booster vaccinations in preventingdisease transmission, and the acceptability of providing pertussis vaccine inschool settings during an outbreak.

Medical providers should continue to be on the lookout forpertussis. Providers should also check thevaccination status of their patients and make sure they are up to date for ageon pertussis vaccines.

Generalinformation on pertussis can be found on the Maine CDC website or theUS CDC website.
Forinformation about pertussis vaccine or vaccine schedules please contact theMaine Immunization program at www.immunizeme.org or by calling 1-800-867-4755.
Maine CDCepidemiologists are available to answer any questions about pertussis diagnosisor management through the 24/7 disease reporting line at 1-800-821-5821.

Tattoo licensing

2012-01-12T09:15:00.004-05:00

Maine CDC’sHealth Inspection program has seen an increase in tattoo complaints over thepast year. Many of these relate to tattoo parties in private homes.

State lawprohibits tattooing in a person’s home. Tattoos may only be performed in a state-approvedtattoo studio. All tattooing must be practiced with a state-issued license.Unlicensed tattooing is a Class E criminal offense, subject to a fine ofbetween $50 and $500 or up to six months in prison.

Licensing ensuresproper safety training, proper sanitary facilities and equipment, properdisposal of sharps and medical waste, and adherence to state rules fortattooing. All licensed tattoo studios are inspected regularly by Maine CDC’sHealth Inspection Program.

Receiving atattoo from an unlicensed tattoo artist increases the risk of skin infectionand transmission of diseases such as HIV, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C.

State law alsoprohibits tattoos being place on anyone younger than 18.

For more informationrelated to licensing for tattoo practices, visit http://go.usa.gov/R59

Birth Defects Prevention

2012-01-01T14:39:00.000-05:00

January is BirthDefects Prevention Month. Major birth defects are conditions that causestructural changes in one or more parts of the body; are present at birth; andhave a serious, adverse effect on health, development, or functional ability.

About one inevery 33 babies is born with a birth defect. Birth defects are a leading causeof infant death, accounting for more than 1 of every 5 infant deaths. Inaddition, babies born with birth defects have a greater chance of illness andlong term disability than babies without birth defects.

Not all birth defectscan be prevented. But a woman can increase her own chance of having ahealthy baby. Many birth defects happen very early in pregnancy, sometimesbefore a woman even knows she is pregnant. Remember that about half of allpregnancies are unplanned. Here are some steps a woman can take to get readyfor a healthy pregnancy:

Take a vitamin with 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid every day.
Avoid alcohol, tobacco, and street drugs.
Keep hands clean by washing them often with soap and water to
prevent infections.
See a health care professional regularly.
Talk with the health care professional about any medical problems and medicine use (both prescription and over-the-counter).
Ask about avoiding any substances at work or at home that might be harmful to a developing baby.
Eat a healthy, balanced diet.
Avoid unpasteurized (raw) milk and foods made from it.
Avoid eating raw or under cooked meat.

While pregnant, keepup these healthy habits, get early prenatal care, and go to every appointment.For more information about preventing birth defects, visit: http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/birthdefects/index.html

January 8-14 is FolicAcid Awareness Week. CDC urges women to take 400 mcgof folic acid every day, starting at least one month before getting pregnant, to help prevent major birthdefects of the baby's brain andspine by 50% to 70%. Folic acid is a B vitamin our bodies use to make new cells.Everyone needs folic acid. For more information, visit: http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/folicacid/index.html

Quit Smoking in 2012

2011-12-31T14:37:00.000-05:00

As the New Year begins, resolve to make 2012 the year that you quitsmoking. The New Year is asymbol of renewal and can be a time to prepare for new beginnings. It is a timeto set goals and make them public so that you can get support and encouragementfrom friends and family. Many smokers use the New Year'sholiday as motivation to quit. For some, this is the first time they've tried to quit; for others, they may have triedbefore. Regardless, this may be the most important resolution a smoker evermakes.

Local help is available to help you quit for good this year through www.thequitlink.com or by calling 1-800-207-1230.

Other onlinecessation services and resources are also available:

www.smokefree.gov provides free, accurate, evidence-based information and professional assistance to help support the immediate and long-term needs of people trying to quit smoking.

women.smokefree.gov provides free, accurate, evidence-based information and professional assistance to help support the immediate and long-term needs of women trying to quit smoking.

www.ucanquit2.org is a U.S. Department of Defense-sponsored Web site for military personnel and their families.

The National CancerInstitute has launched SmokefreeTXT, a free text message cessation servicethat provides 24/7 encouragement, advice, and tips to teens trying to quitsmoking. For more information: http://go.usa.gov/5Sd

Once they sign up, teens receive text messages timed according to theirselected quit date. Following their quit date, they will continue receivingtexts for up to six weeks — a critical piece of the SmokefreeTXT service, asresearch shows that cessation support continues to be important beyond thefirst few weeks of quitting. Teens can sign up online at teen.smokefree.gov or text QUIT to iQUIT(47848).

Influenza Update 12/29/11

2011-12-29T14:42:00.000-05:00

The first laboratory-confirmed case of seasonal flu was reported to Maine CDC on December 23. Influenza A (2009 H1N1), influenza A (H3), and influenza B are all circulating nationally. For more information, see the Health Alert issued Dec. 27.

Maine CDC reminds everyone to take everyday preventive measures against the flu:

Wash your hands frequently
Cough and sneeze into your elbow or shoulder
Stay home when you feel sick
Get vaccinated – you can search for flu clinics by county at http://www.211maine.org/flu-clinics/ or by zipcode at http://www.flu.gov/

Weekly updates on flu activity are available online:

Influenza A(H3N2)v

Maine CDC investigated two cases of influenza A(H3N2)v in October. For more information about this investigation, see the Health Alert issued Oct. 19.

For current guidance and information from US CDC:

Interim guidance for influenza surveillance: http://go.usa.gov/Non
Interim guidance on case definitions to be used for investigations of influenza A(H3N2)v virus cases: http://go.usa.gov/NoU
Interim guidance on specimen collection, processing, and testing for patients with suspect influenza A(H3N2)v virus infection: http://go.usa.gov/NoP
Prevention strategies for seasonal and influenza A(H3N2) in health care settings: http://go.usa.gov/NoE

Vaccination

Maine CDC recommends that Health Care Providers continue vaccinating to protect against influenza this year according to the following guidelines:

Health Care Providers should use state-supplied vaccine for patients in the following circumstances:

The patient is a child ages 6 months through 18 years;
The patient is pregnant or the partner of a pregnant patient;
The patient’s insurance does not cover vaccinations;
The patient is uninsured.

Health Care Providers may use state-supplied vaccine for other patients only if:

The Health Care Provider has already vaccinated all eligible patients listed above and has excess state-supplied vaccine; and
Privately purchased vaccine is not available.

Providers may not charge for state-supplied vaccine. It is reasonable and allowable to charge an administration fee in some circumstances, provided that:

MaineCare-eligible children are not charged an out of pocket administration fee;
administration fees do not exceed the regional Medicare maximum ($14.37/vaccine administration); and
no one is denied vaccine because of their inability to pay an administration fee.

Salmonella update

2011-12-28T14:38:00.003-05:00

The US Department of Agriculture'sFood Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), working with US CDC and its state health partners, determined that there is a link between recalled Hannaford ground beef products and an outbreak of salmonellosis in several northeastern states. Four cases were identified in Maine. FSIS is continuing to work with US CDC, public health partners in the affected states, and the company on the investigation.

Consumption of food contaminated with Salmonella can cause salmonellosis, one of the most common bacterial foodborne illnesses. Salmonella infections can be life-threatening, especially to those with weak immune systems, such as infants, the elderly, and persons with HIV infection or those undergoing chemotherapy. The most common manifestations of salmonellosis are diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever within 12 to 72 hours. Additional symptoms may be chills, headache, nausea and vomiting that can last up to seven days. Individuals concerned about an illness should contact a health care provider.

This outbreak strain of Salmonella is resistant to many commonly prescribed antibiotics and its resistance can increase the risk of hospitalization or possible treatment failure in infected individuals.

To prevent foodborne illness, take the following precautions:

Wash hands with warm, soapy water for at least 20 seconds before and after handling raw meat and poultry. Also wash cutting boards, dishes and utensils with hot soapy water. Clean up spills right away.
Keep raw meat, fish and poultry away from other food that will not be cooked. Use separate cutting boards for raw meat, poultry and egg products and cooked foods.
Cook raw meat and poultry to safe internal temperatures before eating. The safe internal temperature for meat such as beef and pork is 160° F, and 165° F for poultry, as determined with a food thermometer.
Refrigerate raw meat and poultry within two hours after purchase (one hour if temperatures exceed 90° F). Refrigerate cooked meat and poultry within two hours after cooking.

For more information: http://go.usa.gov/Nov

Influenza Update 12/1/11

2011-12-01T10:16:00.001-05:00

National Influenza Vaccination Week (NIVW) will be held December 4-10. It is not too late to be vaccinated. As long a flu viruses are spreading and causing illness, vaccination should continue and can provide protection against the flu. Even unvaccinated people who have already gotten the flu can still benefit from vaccination, since the flu vaccine protects against three different flu viruses and more than one flu virus circulates each season. Last season, all three influenza viruses in the vaccine circulated widely in the US.

CDC recommends a yearly flu vaccine for everyone 6 months of age and older. You can search for flu clinics by county at http://www.211maine.org/flu-clinics/ or by zipcode at http://www.flu.gov/

Maine CDC reminds everyone to take everyday preventive measures against influenza by washing hands, covering coughs, and staying home when sick. No flu activity was reported in Maine for the week ending Nov. 26. Weekly updates on flu activity are available online:

Maine CDC has already distributed more than 197,000 doses of state-supplied influenza vaccine to registered providers for the 2011-2012 season.

More than 100 school districts are offering school-located flu vaccine clinics (SLVC) again this year. More than 330 clinics are registered. A list of participating schools is posted at http://go.usa.gov/ITk

World AIDS Day

2011-11-29T16:57:00.001-05:00

World AIDS Day will be recognized on Thursday, December 1. This observance marks the day when people from different countries,cities, and towns unite in the fight against HIV, show their support for peopleliving with HIV, and observe the countless lives lost to AIDS. The day givespeople the opportunity to commemorate the accomplishments and achievements thathave been reached so far in the fight against HIV/AIDS. It also is a reminder toresearchers, advocates, and affected and infected individuals the work thatremains to be done.

The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that as of 2009 thenumber of people living with HIV reached 33.3 million globally. The numbers ofpeople newly infected with HIV was 2.6 million. AIDS-related deaths reached 1.8million people.

Maine is notimmune to the epidemic; as the end of 2010, there were 1,563 people living withdiagnosed HIV in Maine,with 59 cases diagnosed in 2010 alone.

Have a safe and healthy Thanksgiving

2011-11-22T09:34:00.001-05:00

Here are some tips and resources to make sure you have a safe and healthy Thanksgiving.

Managing Diabetes

Having diabetes shouldn't stop you from enjoying holiday celebrations and travel. With some planning and a little work, you can stay healthy on the road and at holiday gatherings with friends and family.

The most important step in managing diabetes during holiday travel and festivities is preparing. Know what you'll be eating, how to enjoy a few traditional favorites while sticking with a healthy meal plan, and how to pack necessary supplies for a trip, and you're all set to celebrate!

Family Health History

The best way to learn about your family health history is to ask questions. Family gatherings during holidays like Thanksgiving provide an opportunity to talk about and record your family's health information—it could make a difference in your child's life.

Your family health history could be important for determining your child's health risks. Learn more about how to document your family's health history and share it with your child's doctor.

Food Safety

HolidayFoodSafety.org has resources on purchasing, preparing, and storing food for holidays as well as shopping checklists and recipes.

Make sure you know how to cook safely to prevent scalds, burns, and fires.

The Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services created this 7-minute video on holiday food safety.

And make sure you know how to treat your leftovers!

Great American Smokeout

2011-11-16T11:45:00.000-05:00

The 36^th Great American Smokeout will be held Nov. 17, encouraging smokers to use the date to make a plan to quit, or to plan in advance and quit smoking that day.

In addition, the Maine Tobacco HelpLine (1-800-207-1230) celebrates its 10^th anniversary this month. The HelpLine has served more than 75,000 customers in 10 years, reaching an average of 3% of smokers annually – a rate that is ranked fourth in the U.S.

The HelpLine is one facet of the Partnership for a Tobacco-Free Maine (PTM). The adult smoking rate in Maine has dropped from 30% when PTM began in 1997 to 18% in 2010.

One of the hardest things to do is to quit using tobacco. Quitting is a process and sometimes it takes more than one try. The HelpLine offers support that can help people stay tobacco-free for life. The Maine Tobacco HelpLine answers questions and offers friendly support to those who are thinking about quitting or who are ready to quit smoking, or those who want to help a friend or family member quit.

For more information, visit http://www.tobaccofreemaine.org/

Pertussis

2011-11-10T11:41:00.002-05:00

There have been about 150 cases of pertussis (whooping cough) reported in Maine so far in 2011, compared with 53 for all of 2010 and 80 in 2009. About 64% of 2011 cases have been in residents of Penobscot County. Clusters of pertussis have been reported in schools, camps, sport teams, and workplaces.

Pertussis is a highly communicable, vaccine-preventable respiratory disease that can last for many weeks. It is spread from person to person through the air. The first signs of pertussis are similar to a cold (sneezing, runny nose, low-grade fever, and a cough). After one or two weeks, the cough gets worse. For example:

The cough occurs in sudden, uncontrollable bursts where one cough follows the next without a break for breath.
Many children will make a high-pitched whooping sound when breathing in after a coughing episode. Whooping is less common in infants and adults.
After a coughing spell, the person may throw up.
The person may look blue in the face and have a hard time breathing.
The cough is often worse at night.
Between coughing spells, the person seems well, but the illness is exhausting over time.
Over time, coughing spells become less frequent, but may continue for several weeks or months.

Pertussis can be very serious, especially in infants. The most common complication of pertussis is bacterial pneumonia. Rare complications include seizures, inflammation of the brain, and death.

Pertussis can be treated with antibiotics, but treatment may not cure the coughing right away.

The most effective way to prevent pertussis is through vaccination with DTaP for infants and children and with Tdap for pre-teens, teens, and adults. Clinicians should check the vaccine status of their patients to make sure they are up to date for their age. A summary of pertussis vaccine recommendations broken down by age and other life factors is available at http://go.usa.gov/ITj

For More Information:

General information on pertussis can be found on the Maine CDC website http://maine.gov/dhhs/boh/ddc/epi/vaccine/pertussis.shtml or US CDC website http://www.cdc.gov/pertussis/
For information about pertussis vaccine or vaccine schedules, please contact the Maine Immunization program at www.immunizeme.org or by calling 1-800-867-4755
Disease reporting or consultation is available by calling Maine CDC at 1-800-821-5821

HPV Vaccine Questions and Answers

2011-11-04T10:55:00.000-04:00

American Diabetes Month

2011-11-03T11:18:00.001-04:00

The President has proclaimed November to be National Diabetes Month.

You have the power to prevent and control diabetes. If you already have diabetes, work to lower your risk of serious complications. If you don't have the disease, learn if you are at risk for type 2 diabetes.

America is facing an epidemic of diabetes, a serious disease that damages bodies and shortens lives. In the next four decades, the number of US adults with diabetes is estimated to double or triple, according to US CDC scientists. That means anywhere from 20 to 33 percent of adults could have the disease. About 1 in 9 adults have diabetes now, and it’s the seventh leading cause of death in the U.S.

If you already have diabetes, managing the disease can lower your risk of complications such as kidney failure, heart disease and stroke, blindness, and amputations of legs and feet. Here are some important steps to take to control diabetes:

Talk to your health care provider about how to manage your blood glucose (A1c), blood pressure, and cholesterol.
Stop smoking and do not use any other tobacco products.
Get a flu vaccine. For those with diabetes, type 1 and type 2, it is important to ask for the "shot" version. Talk to your health care provider about a pneumonia (pneumococcal) shot. People with diabetes are more likely to die from pneumonia or influenza than people who do not have diabetes. CDC recommends that everybody aged 6 months and older get a flu vaccine, including family members of people with diabetes.
Reach or stay at a healthy weight.
Make sure you're physically active. Plan for 2 hours and 30 minutes each week of moderate physical activity, such as walking quickly or gardening, or 1 hour and 15 minutes each week of vigorous physical activity, such as jogging or jumping rope. Add muscle strengthening activities on 2 or more days each week. Physical activity can help you control your weight, blood glucose, and blood pressure, as well as raise your "good" cholesterol and lower your "bad" cholesterol.

Ways You Can Help Prevent Diabetes

Having a condition called prediabetes means you are at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes within 3 to 6 years. People with prediabetes have blood glucose (sugar) levels that are higher than normal, but not high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes. An estimated one of every three U.S. adults has prediabetes, yet just 7% of those with prediabetes know they have it. Prediabetes increases the risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. Click below to learn whether or not you are at risk for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes.

Prediabetes Screening Test

Research trials have shown that type 2 diabetes can be prevented or delayed in people at high risk for the disease who make lifestyle changes. Weight loss of 5 to 7 percent (about 10 to 14 pounds for a 200-pound person) and increasing physical activity to 150 minutes per week can reduce or delay the development of type 2 diabetes by nearly 60 percent. You can find written and electronic resources to help through the National Diabetes Education Program, sponsored by US CDC and the National Institutes of Health, and community-based group classes through the US CDC-led National Diabetes Prevention Program.

For more information, visit Maine CDC’s Diabetes Prevention and Control Program

Have a safe and healthy weekend

2011-10-28T10:18:00.002-04:00

Forecasts are calling for snow in various parts of the state this weekend. Make sure you know how to stay safe and healthy in winter weather.

Many people will be celebrating Halloween this weekend. Below are some tips to make sure it's a healthy, fun holiday.

This Fact Sheet from the American Academy of Pediatrics has a lot of great safety information -- from pumpkin carving to costumes to actual trick-or-treating activities -- in simple bullet points. US CDC and FDA have similar advice.

Check out these resources for additional information:

Costumes

When purchasing a costume, masks, beards, and wigs, look for the label Flame Resistant. Although this label does not mean these items won't catch fire, it does indicate the items will resist burning and should extinguish quickly once removed from the ignition source. To minimize the risk of contact with candles or other sources of ignition, avoid costumes made with flimsy materials and outfits with big, baggy sleeves or billowing skirts. For more safety information, read this US Consumer Product Safety Commission's Halloween Safety Alert.

Does your costume involve face paint or other makeup? Make sure you check out FDA's website on novelty makeup before you apply it.

Candy and Treats

These Halloween Food Safety Tips for Parents include basic information about inspecting your children's candy and not accepting anything that isn't commercially packaged. It also describes how to avoid bacteria from apple cider and if you go bobbing for apples.

Do you want to provide more nutritious treats? Here are some excellent ideas from Clemson University Cooperative Extension in South Carolina.

Influenza Update 10/27/11

2011-10-27T09:17:00.004-04:00

Maine CDC reminds everyone to take everyday preventive measuresagainst influenza:

• Wash yourhands

• Cover yourcough

• Stay homewhen ill

• Getvaccinated - a searchable county listing of flu clinics is available athttp://www.211maine.org/flu-clinics/

Surveillance

Maine CDC reported no flu activity for the week ending Oct.22. Weekly updates on flu activity in Maineare available athttp://www.maine.gov/dhhs/boh/influenza_surveillance_weekly_updates.shtml

Weekly updates for the US are available athttp://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/summary.htm and international updates areavailable at http://www.cdc.gov/flu/international/activity.htm.

Maine CDC issued a health alert on Oct. 19about ahuman case of novel influenza virus of swine origin. USCDC confirmed the novel strain in a child from Cumberland County. A primary care provider evaluated the child,and provided treatment. The child wasnot hospitalized.

Maine CDC recommends the following for healthcare providers:

• Maintain aheightened awareness for influenza-like illness (ILI)defined as fever greater than 100° with cough or sore throat, in the absence ofanother known cause.

• Considerinfluenza testing by PCR for:

o patientswith ILI with recent exposure to pigs

o patientswith ILI who are hospitalized

o patientswith ILI who have died

o patientswhere a diagnosis of influenza would affect clinical care, infection control,or management of contacts

• Consideruse of antivirals to quickly limit potential human transmission

• Vaccinatepatients and healthcare workers as a primary strategy to prevent influenza

Please report any cases of laboratory positive influenza toMaine CDC by fax (1-800-293-7534) or by phone through our 24-hour DiseaseReporting and Consultation Hotline (1-800-821-5821). All influenza A rapid positive tests shouldbe confirmed by PCR.

Vaccination

Maine CDC has already distributed almost 190,000 doses ofstate-supplied influenza vaccine to registered providers for the 2011-2012season.

Nearly 80 school districts are offering school-located fluvaccine clinics (SLVC) again this year. Almost 270 clinics are registered. Alist of participating schools is posted athttp://www.maine.gov/dhhs/boh/maineflu/flu-clinics.shtml

Schools offering vaccine to students may also providestate-supplied flu vaccine to staff and their dependents to make school clinicsmore simple, sustainable, and consistent with past practices. Maine CDC will be evaluating thesustainability of this approach for future years. Schools wishing to providestate-supplied flu vaccine to staff and their dependents must be registeredthrough the SLVC process and report vaccine usage through ImmPact2. The letter regarding roster billing for staffvaccinations at school clinics and the roster form are both available in theSLVC toolkit at www.maineflu.gov.

US CDC updates

US CDC hasupdated the following information on its website:

• vaccineeffectiveness

• vaccineeffectiveness Q&A for health professionals

• seasonalflu vaccine dosage and administration Q&A

Lead-free kids for a healthy future – National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week

2011-10-25T10:22:00.001-04:00

Nearly a quarter of a million children living in the United Stateshave blood lead levels high enough to cause significant damage to their health,estimates the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, based on data froma 2003–2004 national survey. If high blood lead levels are not detected early,children with such high levels of lead in their bodies can suffer from damageto the brain and nervous system. They can develop behavior and learningproblems (such as hyperactivity), slowed growth, hearing problems, andaggressive patterns of behavior.

To raise awareness of the consequences of lead poisoningamong parents and pregnant women who live in homes built before 1978, Maine CDCis participating in National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week (NLPPW) October 23–29.Maine CDC joins US CDC, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and the U.S.Department of Housing and Urban Development in encouraging parents to learnmore about how to prevent lead poisoning.

This year's NLPPWtheme, "Lead-Free Kids for a Healthy Future," underscores theimportance of testing your home, testing your child, and learning how toprevent lead poisoning’s serious health effects.

Established in 1999 by the US Senate, National LeadPoisoning Prevention Week occurs every year during the last week in October. Tomark the week, Maine CDC is offering parents of all children born in Maine in 2010 a freehome lead dust test kit.

The offers for free tests come with an educational brochurethat is being mailed to more than 11,000 families as part of Maine’s effort to eliminate childhood leadpoisoning. Instructions on how to schedule a test are included in the mailer.

"The goal of the mailing is to prevent lead poisoning.The test kits we are offering can help parents find out if their home has alead dust problem," said Dr. Sheila Pinette, Director of Maine CDC."Then they can address any problems and keep their children safe fromlead."

Exposure to dust that comes from lead paint in homes builtbefore 1950 is the most common way children are poisoned by lead in Maine. Lead paint isoften found in homes built before 1950 and sometimes in homes built before1978. Lead poisoning can cause behavior problems, learning disabilities, speechand language delays, and lower intelligence.

Made possible by the Lead Poisoning Prevention Fund, this isthe second annual mailing of its kind. Nearly 300 families in Maine took advantage of the prior mailingand tested their homes for lead dust. About one quarter of those familiesidentified lead dust problems in their homes and received education to properlyaddress the problems.

"We hope parents who live in older homes will takeadvantage of the offer for a free lead dust test kit, especially if they livein a house or apartment built before 1950," said Dr. Pinette.

For more information, go to www.maine.gov/healthyhomes.

Physical activity and nutrition

2011-10-14T09:08:00.006-04:00

Dr. Sheila Pinette, Director of Maine CDC, presented RichmondArea Health Center with a certificate of recognition on Oct. 11 for their workas leaders in combating obesity and helping to decrease chronic disease andhealth care costs in Maine.

Over the past year, 700 patients at the health center havelost weight totaling more than 2 tons (4,000 pounds). The health center'sincentive program didn't cost any money, but helped reduce health care costsbecause many patients were able to cut back or completely eliminate medicationsfor chronic diseases as a result of their weight loss.

Under the direction of Tom Bartol, NP, and the assistance ofHealthy Communities of the Capital Area, the health center encouraged patientsthrough a simple system of positive reinforcement. Patients who has lost weightfrom one appointment to the next would write their names and the amount lost onpaper stars posted on the health center wall. After hanging up their stars,patients rang a bell announcing to everyone they has lost weight. Staff wouldhear the bell and applaud to congratulate them.

Richmond Area Health Center is a practice of the HealthReachCommunity Health Centers, a system of eleven federally-qualified health centersand two dental practices in central and western Maine.

This announcementcomes during National School Lunch Week. This USDA press release explains how more schools areproviding healthier meal options for our children. USDA’s Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion also launched a new website with information for eating healthy on a budget.

For more informationabout healthy eating, visit Maine CDC’s Physical Activity and Nutrition Program.

Public Health Update 10/13/11

2011-10-13T09:06:00.000-04:00

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

US CDC has a special Q&A feature about breast cancer and mammograms available at http://www.cdc.gov/Features/BreastCancerAwareness/

The Maine Breast and Cervical Health Program (MBCHP) is a comprehensive breast and cervical cancer early detection program housed within Maine CDC’s Division of Chronic Disease. Early detection continues to be the best way to combat breast and cervical cancer. The program’s mission is to help low-income, uninsured and underinsured women gain access to breast and cervical cancer screening and diagnostic services to support and enhance breast and cervical cancer control activities statewide.

For more information: http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/bohdcfh/bcp/

World Arthritis Day

Physical activity is beneficial for the management of arthritis, yet data show that 44% of people with arthritis are physically inactive. In recognition of World Arthritis Day on Oct. 12, adults with arthritis are encouraged to engage in regular physical activity to better manage their arthritis each and every day.

For more information about arthritis and physical activity, see this US CDC feature: http://www.cdc.gov/Features/Arthritis/

For more information about World Arthritis Day, see this MMWR: http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm6039a7.htm

Drinking and driving

Alcohol-impaired driving crashes account for nearly 11,000 crash fatalities, or about one third of all crash fatalities in the United States. US CDC’s monthly Vital Signs feature has important information about drinking and driving: http://www.cdc.gov/VitalSigns/DrinkingandDriving/

For more information, see this MMWR: http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm6039a4.htm

HIV/STD update

The monthly HIV/STD update for September has been posted at http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/boh/ddc/hiv-std/data/documents/Data-Update-09-2011.pdf

US CDC has made popular STD fact sheets available for smart phones and other mobile devices: http://m.cdc.gov/menu.aspx?menuId=64&language=en

Influenza update

Maine CDC has already distributed almost 174,000 doses of state-supplied influenza vaccine to registered providers for the 2011-2012 season.

Almost 240 clinics at 70 school districts have already been registered for this season. A list of schools with registered school-located vaccine clinics is available at http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/boh/maineflu/flu-clinics.shtml

If you still need your flu shot, a searchable county listing of flu clinics is available at http://www.211maine.org/flu-clinics/ or you can search by zipcode at http://www.flu.gov/

Infectious disease conference

Maine CDC’s Division of Infectious Disease will hold its annual conference from 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Nov. 15 at the Augusta Civic Center. Issues presented will include challenges in controlling infectious diseases, information on responding to new disease threats, and clinical updates and approaches. Cost: $35 before Oct. 24 and $50 after. Space is limited. For more information and to register: http://adcarecdc.neias.org/idhome/

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Influenza Update 9/29/11

2011-09-29T14:59:00.001-04:00

Maine CDC has already distributed almost 154,000 doses of state-supplied influenza vaccine to registered providers for the 2011-2012 season.

Information about second doses for children under 9, school-located vaccine clinic (SLVC) registration forms, and other related materials are available in our SLVC toolkit.

Almost 160 clinics at 49 school districts have already been registered for this season. Maine CDC is pleased to announce that certain vaccine clinic supplies will be available for free to schools offering SLVC this year. Schools that have the supplies they need for clinics can still order items that may help in the prevention and control of influenza in the school. For more information: http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/boh/maineflu/h1n1/toolkit/SLVC-supplies.pdf

US CDC has posted a study on 115 influenza-associated pediatric deaths from September 2010 through August 2011 and highlights the importance of both annual vaccination and rapid antiviral treatment.

A searchable county listing of flu clinics is available at http://www.211maine.org/flu-clinics/

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

2011-09-28T15:01:00.000-04:00

The 14th Annual Silver Tea to kick off Breast Cancer Awareness Month was held Sept. 28. The tea was sponsored by Maine First Lady Ann LePage and the member organizations of the Breast Health Cooperative:

American Cancer Society, Maine CDC’s Breast and Cervical Health program, Maine Breast Cancer Coalition, Maine Breast Nurse Network, Maine Cancer Foundation, and the Maine affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

Mrs. LePage read the 2011 Governor’s Proclamation designating October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Robert J. Ferguson, PhD, from the Maine Outpatient Rehabilitation Center at Eastern Maine Medical Center, spoke about the association between adjuvant chemotherapy and mild cognitive decline among breast cancer survivors.

Donna Green, RN, BSN, OCN, Clinical Manager of Oncology Administration at Maine Medical Center, was honored with the 2011 Breast Health Leadership Award among professionals.

Patco Construction Company, a family-owned construction business in Sanford, received the 2011 Breast Health Leadership Award among volunteers. The company annually sponsors breast cancer awareness activities, and this year coordinated the production of a two-CD collection that brings together more than two dozen of Maine’s most talented female performers.

World Rabies Day

2011-09-27T14:32:00.001-04:00

On September 28, Maine CDC will celebrate the fifth annual World Rabies Day. Established in 2007 by U.S. CDC and the Alliance for Rabies Control, a U.K. charity, this day is dedicated to raise awareness about rabies. Worldwide, more than 50,000 people die from rabies each year.

Rabies is a deadly disease caused by a virus. Rabies is 100% preventable by avoiding wild animals and any animal that you do not know, or by getting rabies shots if an exposure already occurred. A rabies exposure happens when a person or animal comes into contact with the saliva or tissue from the nervous system (brain or spinal cord) of a rabid animal. This contact can be from a bite or scratch, or if the animal’s saliva gets into a cut in the skin or in the eyes, nose, or mouth.

Rabies in people is very rare in the United States, with only one to two cases each year. The last human case of rabies in Maine was in 1937, but this does not mean that rabies is not a problem. Rabies in animals, especially wildlife, is common in most parts of the country, including Maine. The most commonly infected animals in Maine are raccoons, skunks, bats, and foxes. To date in 2011, 51 animals tested positive for rabies.

If you think that you have been exposed to rabies, wash the wound right away with soap and water. Then, call your doctor and the Maine CDC at 1-800-821-5821 to evaluate the need for animal testing and rabies shots. In addition, if you or your pet is exposed to a suspect rabid animal, call your veterinarian and local Animal Control Officer. If you or your pet is exposed to a wild animal, call your local Game Warden.

Follow these steps to prevent rabies:

Vaccinate your pet cats and dogs against rabies; it is the law.
Avoid contact with wild animals or other animals that you do not know.
Bat-proof your home. Wildlife biologists can provide tips on how to bat proof your home without harming bats but preventing them from entering your home.

For more information about rabies, visit the Maine CDC website at www.mainepublichealth.gov/rabies.

Contagion

2011-09-16T13:31:00.000-04:00

In the last two years, US CDC has sent scientists and doctors out more than 750 times to respond to health threats.

A new movie called Contagion is showing on screens nationwide. Although Contagion is a work of fiction, US CDC scientists were consulted for their help in making the movie as scientifically accurate as possible.

However, the film doesn’t provide a complete picture of the extensive role that state and local public health agencies would play in responding to a major disease pandemic. Over the last ten years, a major effort has been underway to strengthen the emergency response capabilities of state and local public health.

A quick overview of disease outbreak investigation is available from this Public Health Matters blog

Arsenic

2011-09-15T15:03:00.001-04:00

There has been publicity recently over the amount of arsenic in the apple juice that many children drink. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a statement that there is no evidence of any public health risk from drinking these juices and that FDA has been testing them for years.

Arsenic is a naturally occurring element found in water, air, food, and soil in organic and inorganic forms. Inorganic arsenic compounds can be harmful at high and long-term levels of exposure. Organic arsenic compounds are essentially harmless. Because both forms of arsenic have been found in soil and ground water, small amounts may be found in certain food and beverage products, including fruit juices and juice concentrates.

FDA has been tracking total arsenic contamination in apple and other juices for about six years, since foreign producers started gaining an increasing share of the juice market.

Most people ingest small amounts of arsenic each day from various foods, including rice products and shellfish. One of the big sources of arsenic exposure to be on the lookout for in Maine is arsenic in private well water. Half of Maine families get their drinking water from private wells, and 10% of these wells have arsenic levels above the current drinking water standard of 10 micrograms per liter. Only about 45% of families with wells have tested their well water for arsenic -- if you have a well, make sure you have tested it for arsenic.

For more information about arsenic, see this US CDC fact sheet.

National Newborn Screening Awareness Month

2011-09-15T13:28:00.000-04:00

Newborn Screening saves lives, prevents disabilities and saves money. In the last five decades, newborn screening has become a well-defined, nationwide early identification program. Every year, 4 million infants born in the United States are screened shortly after birth for hearing loss and certain genetic, endocrine, and metabolic disorders. Each year, approximately 12,000 infants will be identified with one of these disorders.

The goal of newborn screening is to identify infants who appear healthy at birth, but who may have one of these disorders which can cause severe illness or death. Through early identification and treatment, newborn screening provides an opportunity for significant reductions in morbidity and mortality while reducing health care costs associated with treatment of lifelong debilitating conditions.

Phenylketonuria, or “PKU” as it is commonly referred to, was the first newborn screening test ever developed using dried bloodspots. Screening for PKU has been in place since the 1960s. Screening programs are now testing for 30 disorders, and this number is expected to increase in the future as science and technology continue to advance. The majority of disorders identified through newborn screening require lifelong treatment. The most commonly detected disorders are cystic fibrosis (CF), congenital hypothyroidism (CH), and congenital hearing loss.

For more information about newborn screening in Maine, visit the Maine Newborn Bloodspot Screening Program

Obesity

2011-08-24T16:29:00.000-04:00

During the past 20 years, there has been a dramatic increase in obesity in the United States and rates remain high. In 2010, no state had a prevalence of obesity less than 20%. Maine is one of 36 states with a prevalence of 25% or more.

There are a variety of online tools to help you stay active and eat healthier:

My Fitness Pal lets you track your calories on their website or with free mobile apps: www.myfitnesspal.com
Find safe environments in Maine to walk: www.healthymainewalks.org
Learn more about portion size, balanced meals, and get healthy eating tips at www.choosemyplate.gov
Search for low-cost health care resources in your area – including nutrition and wellness services – at www.keepmewell.org

For more information:

Maine Physical Activity and Nutrition Program: http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/boh/hmp/panp/

US CDC: http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/

Bath salts

2011-08-23T08:26:00.000-04:00

Unregulated psychoactive substances marketed as “bath salts” are among the latest in a series of legal synthetic substances that, when used improperly, offer alternatives to illegal drugs. “Bath salts” are powerful stimulant drugs that are suspected to have been designed to avoid legal prosecution, and are commonly available on the Internet and in specialty smoke shops.

“Bath salt” products are known to produce certain side effects, some of which are quite severe. This MMWR describes emergency department visits in Michigan over the last year after use of “bath salts.”

In July, Maine enacted legislation to make it illegal to possess or sell any of the 21 different hallucinogenic drugs or stimulants that are sold and marketed as “bath salts.”

For more information, see this Fact Sheet from the state Office of Substance Abuse.

School-based flu vaccine clinics

2011-08-22T16:25:00.002-04:00

Maine CDC has received a two-year, $1.25 million cooperative agreement award from US CDC to enhance the sustainability of school-located vaccination. School-located vaccination clinics (SLVC) were first broadly implemented in Maine in response to the 2009 H1N1 flu pandemic. Since then, schools and health care providers in many communities around the state have worked together to continue to offer influenza vaccine to students and staff members in the school setting. SLVC can provide low-cost and convenient opportunities for families to have their children vaccinated each year. In addition, achieving high immunization rates in schools can reduce the number of days that students and staff are absent during the flu season and improve the learning environment.

CDC now recommends that all people over six months of age receive an annual flu vaccine as the best way to prevent influenza. Unlike adults, children have few opportunities to get a flu shot, and primary care doctors may not be able to accommodate the high demand for vaccine in their offices. Maine’s influenza immunization rates among children for the 2010-11 season were well above the national average, but too many Maine children still go without an annual flu shot. Providing vaccines to children in the school setting is a strategy that can improve access and decrease financial barriers that some children may face in getting the flu vaccine.

Among the strengths that were noted in the review of this application were the success of previous years’ SLVC; the use of Maine’s immunization registry system, ImmPact2; and the strengths of the partnerships that have been developed at the local level.

In the 2010-11 school year, more than 350 SLVC were held statewide. Clinics were run by school nurses, hospitals, health centers, visiting nurses’ associations, and primary care practices. Maine CDC recognizes the many organizations and individuals who have worked hard at implementing school vaccination. Funds from this cooperative agreement will be used to further these efforts by:

1.) increasing and supporting SLVC over the next two years;

2.) improving mechanisms of insurance reimbursement to schools and health care providers who provide flu shots in the school setting; and

3.) evaluating the impact of school clinics and developing plans for long-term sustainability beyond the funding period.

More information on specific funding initiatives and opportunities related to this cooperative agreement will be forthcoming. General information on influenza in Maine is accessible at www.maineflu.gov.

An online toolkit for SLVC with registration forms, guidance documents, and sample materials has been posted at http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/boh/maineflu/h1n1/educators.shtml#schoolclinics

Hepatitis A Virus Cluster

2011-08-11T16:28:00.000-04:00

Maine CDC is investigating a cluster of acute hepatitis A virus infections in Northern Lincoln County. Currently, 2 suspect and 3 confirmed cases have been identified. The first identified infected person had a history of recent international travel. The other four ill individuals were close contacts of the first case-patient.

Hepatitis A is an uncommon disease in Maine, with an average of 10 cases reported each year.

Illness caused by hepatitis A virus typically has an abrupt onset and can include fever, malaise, anorexia, nausea, abdominal discomfort, dark urine, and jaundice.

The average incubation period for hepatitis A is 28 days (range: 15-50 days). Individuals are considered infectious from 2 weeks before until 1 week after the onset of jaundice. The infectious periods for the persons in the Northern Lincoln County cluster range from early-July to mid-August. The virus is excreted in feces and is transmitted by the fecal-oral route or through the consumption of contaminated food or water. Good hand washing is key to limiting disease transmission.

For more information, see this Health Alert.

Infectious Disease Conference

2011-08-05T10:44:00.000-04:00

Since 1983, Maine CDC’s Division of Infectious Disease has organized an annual infectious disease conference targeting public health issues of emerging concern to medical practitioners throughout the state. This year’s conference will be held from 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Nov. 15 at the Augusta Civic Center. Issues presented will include challenges in controlling infectious diseases, information on responding to new disease threats, and clinical updates and approaches. Registration fees, including the program, lunch, breaks, & CEUs, are $35 on or before 10/24/11 and $50 on or after 10/25/11. Space is limited.

The event brochure and agenda are available at: http://www.neias.org/mecdc/pdf/IDconferencebrochure_Final(3).pdf

For more information and to register: http://adcarecdc.neias.org/idhome/

Breastfeeding and obesity

2011-08-04T10:42:00.002-04:00

Childhood obesity is an epidemic. In the US, 1 preschooler in 5 is at least overweight, and half of these are obese. Breastfeeding helps protect against childhood obesity. A baby's risk of becoming an overweight child goes down with each month of breastfeeding. In the US, most babies start breastfeeding, but within the first week, half have already been given formula, and by 9 months, only 31% of babies are breastfeeding at all. Hospitals can either help or hinder mothers and babies as they begin to breastfeed.

This month’s Vital Signs feature and related MMWR from US CDC focus on hospital support for breastfeeding.

US CDC’s Breastfeeding Report Card shows that Maine ranked third in the nation for percent of live births occurring at baby-friendly facilities and tied for third in the nation for State Maternity Practices in Infant Nutrition and Care scores from birthing facilities.

Rabies update

2011-08-03T10:38:00.000-04:00

US CDC and the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, with assistance from Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services and Suburban Hospital-Johns Hopkins Medicine, have developed an online course to educate healthcare providers and public health professionals about rabies, the approach used in evaluating patients for rabies virus exposure, and the administration of rabies postexposure prophylaxis (PEP). There is no cost to view the course or to receive continuing education credit.

As a reminder to clinicians, PEP for rabies is reportable in Maine.

The second quarter animal rabies update for Maine is now available at http://www.maine.gov/tools/whatsnew/attach.php?id=277584&an=1

World Hepatitis Day

2011-07-28T11:58:00.002-04:00

Today is World Hepatitis Day. This day was established to increase the awareness and understanding of viral hepatitis and the diseases that it causes. It provides an opportunity to focus on specific actions such as:

strengthening prevention, screening and control of viral hepatitis and its related diseases;
increasing hepatitis B vaccine coverage and integration into national immunization programmes; and
coordinating a global response to hepatitis.

Hepatitis viruses A, B, C, D and E can cause acute and chronic infection and inflammation of the liver leading to cirrhosis and liver cancer.

For more information: http://www.who.int/csr/disease/hepatitis/world_hepatitis_day/en/index.html

Increase in pertussis

2011-07-28T10:39:00.000-04:00

Between Jan. 1 and July 22, 72 pertussis cases were reported to Maine CDC, compared to 20 cases reported for the same period in 2010. Clusters of pertussis cases have been reported in schools, camps, sport teams, and workplaces with the largest number of clusters identified in Penobscot county. Cases range in age from 1 month to 79 years. One infant has recently been hospitalized with life-threatening symptoms.

Pertussis is a highly communicable, vaccine-preventable disease that can last for many weeks. It is transmitted through direct contact with the respiratory secretions of infected people. Symptoms include cough, paroxysms, whoop, and post-tussive vomiting. Pertussis can cause serious illness in infants, children, and adults and can even be life-threatening, especially in infants. More than half of infants less than 1 year of age who get pertussis must be hospitalized.

For more information and clinical guidance, please see this Health Alert.

Influenza Update 7/21/11

2011-07-21T11:55:00.002-04:00

Maine CDC has issued a letter to health care providers who have registered with the Maine Immunization Program to offer state-supplied flu vaccine regarding vaccine availability.

For the 2011-12 season, Maine CDC plans to provide seasonal influenza vaccine for:

All Maine children ages 6 months to 18 years-old
Employees of schools that provide onsite vaccine clinics on school days
Pregnant women and their partners (through health care providers who routinely care for pregnant women)
Nursing home employees and residents
Any underinsured or uninsured adult in any setting (for patients who do not have insurance or whose insurance does not cover vaccines)
All individuals served by Tribal health centers and Municipal Health Departments

Information on the vaccine ordering process will be posted at www.maineflu.gov in August. Tools and resources for those conducting school-located vaccine clinics (SLVC) will also be updated in August.

FDA has approved the 2011-12 influenza vaccine formulation for all six manufacturers licensed to produce and distribute flu vaccine for the US.

US CDC has updated its online flu information, including:

Stay cool the next couple of days

2011-07-21T11:48:00.002-04:00

Maine CDC issued a heat advisory yesterday due to high temperatures forecast for today and tomorrow.

High temperatures are more common toward the end of July and into August in Maine. Everyone should take some simple measures to prevent heat-related illness. Some people are more likely to experience illness from heat and should take extra precautions to keep cool. These people include:

Older adults (age 65 and older)
Infants and young children
People with a mental illness or who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol
People who work outside
People with heart conditions, kidney disease, diabetes, obesity, and high blood pressure
People with mobility restrictions
People living in poverty and who are homeless

More information on heat-related illness and ways to prevent it can be found at: http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/boh/heat/index.shtml

Colorectal cancer

2011-07-07T14:38:00.001-04:00

In Maine’s total population, colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of new cancer cases and deaths. In 2009, almost 900 Mainers were diagnosed with colorectal cancer, and approximately 260 died from this disease.

This month’s US CDC Vital Signs and related MMWR focus on colorectal cancer.

The Maine Colorectal Cancer Control Program hopes to lessen the number of Mainers that are diagnosed with, or die from, colorectal cancer each year. The program focuses on helping all Mainers understand how important it is to be screened for colon cancer when they are age 50 and older, providing no-cost screening services for Mainers who do not have health insurance (or who have health insurance that does not pay for the costs of this important test), and connecting Mainers with the resources they need to prevent, detect, and survive colon cancer.

Lyme disease

2011-07-06T14:40:00.000-04:00

Maine CDC held its second annual poster contest in conjunction with Lyme Disease Awareness Month in May. The winning posters by Jacob Carroll, Chloe Lawrence, Casey Pine, and Carrigan Eyrolles are now available at http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/boh/ddc/epi/vector-borne/lyme/index.shtml

Posters represented at least one of four ways to prevent Lyme disease:

Wear protective clothing
Use insect repellent
Perform a daily tick check
Use caution in tick infested areas

Most people get Lyme disease between the months of May and August. The best way to prevent Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses is to avoid contact with ticks – find out more steps you can take to avoid tick-borne diseases.

Maine Medical Center Research Institute, in partnership with Maine CDC, is expanding its efforts in northern and western Maine to track the spread of the ticks that may carry Lyme disease.

Summer health

2011-06-23T09:13:00.001-04:00

Most people get Lyme disease between the months of May and August. The best way to prevent Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses is to avoid contact with ticks:

· Wear long sleeve shirts and pants. Light colored clothing makes it easier to spot ticks.

· Tuck your pants into your socks and tuck your shirt into your pants.

· Use insect repellent (with DEET) on your skin and apply permethrin to your clothes.

· Check your clothing and skin carefully after being outdoors and remove ticks immediately.

· If bitten by a tick, wash area of bite thoroughly with soap and water and apply an antiseptic to area of the bite.

· Mark on a calendar the date that you were bitten, and then watch for any changes in your health every day for the next month.

· Keep your lawn mowed, cut overgrown brush, and clear away leaf litter from your home.

· Inspect any pets daily and remove any ticks found.

Water, bugs, and the sun, are a few of the things kids experience more of in the summertime. See this US CDC feature on keeping kids safe and healthy this summer.

We’ve already experienced some severe weather. Know how to protect yourself in the event of thunderstorms and lightning. Power failures are common in severe summer storms. Check out this food safety video from the University of Maine Cooperative Extension to make sure you keep food safe after a power failure.

The US Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has established important new rules about sunscreen labels to reduce the risk of skin cancer.

This Cornell University video has helpful information about safe grilling practices.

National Prevention Strategy

2011-06-16T17:00:00.001-04:00

U.S. Surgeon General Regina Benjamin and members of the National Prevention Council have released the first ever National Prevention Strategy, a comprehensive plan that will help increase the number of Americans who are healthy at every stage of life.

The National Prevention Strategy recognizes that good health comes not just from receiving quality medical care, but also from clean air and water, safe outdoor spaces for physical activity, safe worksites, healthy foods, violence-free environments and healthy homes.

The National Prevention Strategy includes actions that public and private partners can take to help Americans stay healthy and fit and improve our nation’s prosperity. The strategy outlines four strategic directions that, together, are fundamental to improving the nation’s health. Those four strategic directions are:

Building Healthy and Safe Community Environments: Prevention of disease starts in our communities and at home; not just in the doctor’s office.
Expanding Quality Preventive Services in Both Clinical and Community Settings: When people receive preventive care, such as immunizations and cancer screenings, they have better health and lower health care costs.
Empowering People to Make Healthy Choices: When people have access to actionable and easy-to-understand information and resources, they are empowered to make healthier choices.
Eliminating Health Disparities: By eliminating disparities in achieving and maintaining health, we can help improve quality of life for all Americans.

An overview of the strategy is available at http://www.healthcare.gov/center/councils/nphpphc/strategy/index.html#DevelopingStrategy

Influenza update

2011-06-10T10:55:00.000-04:00

The June 3 MMWR summarized influenza activity in the US for the 2010-11 season. The report also included FDA’s Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee recommendation that there be no change to any of the three components from the 2010-11 flu vaccine formulation in the US for the 2011-12 flu season. The full report is available at: http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm6021a5.htm?s_cid=mm6021a5_w

US CDC published a special supplement on influenza and pregnant women in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology – available at http://www.ajog.org/issues?issue_key=S0002-9378(11)X0005-4. Among the key findings in the supplement are clear and consistent evidence that pregnant women are at risk for severe complications (including admission to an intensive care unit and death) from influenza.

Maine CDC has issued a letter to all schools and health care providers that participated in school-located vaccine clinics (SLVC) during the 2010-11 school year with basic guidance and a timeline for those who wish to participate in SLVC for the coming school year. The letter is available at www.maineflu.gov

Worried about E. coli and other foodborne illness?

2011-06-09T10:52:00.001-04:00

US CDC’s Vital Signs for June focuses on foodborne illness. Each year, roughly 1 in 6 people in the US gets sick from eating contaminated food. The 1,000 or more reported outbreaks that happen each year reveal familiar culprits—Salmonella and other common germs. We know that reducing contamination works. During the past 15 years, a dangerous type of E. coli infection, responsible for the recall of millions of pounds of ground beef, has been cut almost in half.

For more information on Vital Signs, see this MMWR.

A large outbreak of shiga toxin-producing E. coli O104 is occurring in Germany, with cases identified in travelers to Germany. This strain of E. coli is very rare and has not been seen in the United States prior to this outbreak.

Maine CDC issued a Health Alert on Monday, asking health care providers to report any suspect cases of STEC in Maine residents with a history of travel to Germany immediately to our disease reporting line: 1-800-821-5821.

US CDC has issued the following travel notice: http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices/outbreak-notice/2011-germany-europe-e-coli.htm?source=govdelivery

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is posting related updates at: http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm257814.htm

Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning when opening camps this weekend

2011-05-25T11:09:00.002-04:00

As summer approaches and Mainers start opening up their camps for the season, the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention warns of the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Health officials urge camp owners to make sure their propane-fueled stoves and refrigerators are working properly and vented safely when turned on for the season. Camp owners should make sure they have working carbon monoxide detectors equipped with a battery back-up located close to where people sleep. Most hardware stores or places that sell smoke detectors also carry carbon monoxide detectors.

"This is the time of year when we start to get reports of people poisoned in their camps from high levels of carbon monoxide," said state toxicologist, Dr. Andrew Smith. "Usually, blocked exhaust vents or poorly maintained gas-fueled appliances are the culprits. Unfortunately, some of the poisonings are life-threatening."

Boaters are also at risk for carbon monoxide poisoning, Smith said. Carbon monoxide is present in the exhaust of inboard and outboard motors. Gasses can build to dangerous levels in areas just behind the boat. Boaters should stay away from exhaust vent areas, like the back platform. They should not swim in these areas when the motor is on.

Carbon monoxide, or CO, is an odorless and colorless gas created by any combustion engine or device. Improper venting, maintenance, operation or placement of combustion devices can result in poisoning when CO gas builds up in enclosed spaces and in garages, barns and sheds—even if the doors and windows are open.

There are more than 100 emergency department visits each year in Maine due to carbon monoxide poisoning, Smith said.

The Me-CDC estimates that the overall number of households with detectors is increasing and that about half of owner-occupied homes now have them. Yet, in 90 percent of reported carbon monoxide poisonings, there are no carbon monoxide detectors present where the poisonings occur. Maine law requires carbon monoxide detectors to be installed in all rental units, including seasonal rentals, and new single family dwellings. Detectors are also required in existing single-family dwellings whenever there is a transfer of ownership or an addition of one or more bedrooms. The law applies to camps and seasonal homes as well.

To prevent carbon monoxide poisoning this summer:

Make sure gas-powered appliances in your camp are working and vented properly.
Don't use a gas-powered generator, charcoal grill, camp stove, or other gas- or charcoal-burning device inside your camp or near a window or door. Generators should be more than 15 feet from your home when running. -Don't run a car, truck, lawn mower, tractor or any other motor inside a garage, barn or shed, even if you leave the door open.
Make sure you have a CO detector with a battery back-up in your camp near where people sleep. Check or replace the battery during your first visit.
If your CO alarm goes off, get out right away and call 911. Get prompt medical attention if you suspect CO poisoning and are feeling dizzy, light-headed, or nauseous.

Additional Background on Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Carbon monoxide can starve body tissues of the oxygen they need to work. Warning signs of poisoning can be confused with illness, intoxication or motion sickness. Symptoms include headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, drowsiness, and confusion, but no fever. Carbon monoxide poisoning can cause coma and death.
Each year in Maine, there are more than 100 emergency department visits and between one and five deaths due to carbon monoxide poisoning. In 90 percent of the cases, there are no carbon monoxide detectors present where the poisonings occur. For Maine CDC data on carbon monoxide poisonings visit the Maine Tracking Network: https://tracking.publichealth.maine.gov
For information on the State law requiring carbon monoxide detectors: http://www.mainelegislature.org/legis/bills/bills_124th/chappdfs/PUBLIC162.pdf

Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome

2011-05-16T13:26:00.001-04:00

Maine CDC was recently notified of the first documented case of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) in a Maine resident. This resident had not traveled outside of Maine and was reported to have exposures known to be associated with hantavirus.

HPS was first identified in 1993 following an outbreak of unexplained severe pulmonary illness among residents of the southwestern United States. HPS is a serious and life-threatening viral disease (fatality rate approximately 30-40%) that is transmitted to humans by exposure to infected rodents. Only certain kinds of mice and rats can give people hantaviruses that cause HPS. In North America, they are the deer mouse, the white-footed mouse, the rice rat, and the cotton rat but not every mouse or rat will carry the virus.

Early symptoms of HPS include fatigue, fever, chills, and muscle aches especially in the thighs, hips, back, and shoulders. There may also be headaches, dizziness, and abdominal complaints including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Four to ten days after the initial symptoms, patients experience coughing and shortness of breath as the lungs fill with fluid. There is no specific treatment or cure. Medical care is supportive in nature.

Humans become infected after breathing fresh aerosolized urine, droppings, saliva, or nesting materials of infected rodents or when these materials are directly introduced into broken skin, the nose, or the mouth. If a rodent with the virus bites someone, the virus may be spread to that person, but this is rare. HPS in the United States has not been demonstrated to be transmitted from person to person.

HPS can be prevented by:

· Keeping mice and rats out of your home.

· Cleaning up mouse and rat urine, droppings, and nesting materials with a disinfectant or a mixture of bleach and water.

· Do not sweep or vacuum up rodent urine, droppings, or nests as this will cause virus particles to go into the air where they can be breathed in.

For more information on hantavirus, visit the Maine CDC website or the US CDC website.

For more information on prevention of hantavirus infection and precautions for limiting household, recreational, and occupational exposures, see http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr5109a1.htm.

Hepatitis awareness

2011-05-16T09:03:00.000-04:00

Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver. Toxins, certain drugs, some diseases, heavy alcohol use, and bacterial and viral infections can all cause hepatitis. Hepatitis is also the name of a family of viruses that affect the liver causing illness characterized by nausea, abdominal pain, and jaundice. The most common types in the United States are hepatitis A, B, and C.

These viruses are spread from one person to another through different routes. By understanding how they are spread, you can take steps to prevent infection.

Hepatitis A is spread by ingestion of fecal matter, even in microscopic amounts, from close person-to-person contact or ingestion of contaminated food or drinks. It can be prevented by vaccination, hand washing, drinking only clean water, cooking food thoroughly, and by practicing safe sex.

Hepatitis B is spread by direct contact with infected blood or bodily fluids. It can be prevented by vaccination, practicing safe sex, and not sharing any items that might be contaminated with someone else’s blood such as nail clippers, tooth brushes, razors, needles or sharps, and injection drug equipment.

Hepatitis C is spread by direct contact with infected blood. It can be prevented by not sharing any items that might be contaminated with someone else’s blood, such as nail clippers, tooth brushes, razors, needles or sharps, and injection drug equipment, and by practicing safe sex.

Vaccines are only available to protect against hepatitis A and B. Hepatitis B and C can cause long-term infection that is associated with an increased risk for chronic liver disease and liver cancer, so testing and vaccination is especially important.

US CDC has issued several recent MMWRs that discuss hepatitis, including:

Highlighting Hepatitis Awareness Month

The US Department of Health and Human Services has also released Combating the Silent Epidemic of Viral Hepatitis: Action Plan for the Prevention, Care and Treatment of Viral Hepatitis, its strategic plan to raise awareness about hepatitis and create opportunities to train health professionals to vaccinate, diagnose, treat, and ultimately save lives.

For more information: http://www.mainepublichealth.gov/hepatitis

May is National Celiac Awareness Month

2011-05-13T12:50:00.001-04:00

One in 133 people are affected with celiac disease, an autoimmune digestive disease. For people with celiac disease, or gluten sensitive enteropathy, eating foods with gluten - a protein found in wheat, rye and barley - damages the intestinal lining. Once damaged, the intestine cannot absorb the many nutrients supplied by food. The risk of malnutrition in people who have celiac disease is high.

The symptoms some with celiac disease, or gluten sensitive enteropathy, may experience include weakness, abdominal cramping, lack of appetitite, or diarrhea. Celiac disease may be inherited or triggered by an event. The care and treatment for people with this disease is very individual and includes eating a gluten-free diet and working with a registered dietitian and physician to find the best solutions for living life to the fullest.

More and more gluten-free breads, baked goods, coatings, and other products are available in mainstream grocery stores as well as specialty stores. There are also support groups available online and at some Maine hospitals.

Some people are “gluten sensitive” but don’t have celiac disease. These individuals experience milder and more subtle symptoms and do not test positive for celiac disease. These individuals may also benefit from eating a well-balanced low gluten diet and working on a personal plan with their registered dietitian and physician to live their life to the fullest.

To learn more, contact your local hospital or go to http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/celiac/ for more information.

Measles alert

2011-05-12T13:48:00.000-04:00

In the past week, Massachusetts identified 5 new cases of measles, ranging in age from 16 months to 65 years. All confirmed and suspect cases have either unknown or undocumented history of measles vaccination. Maine clinicians are asked to increase surveillance for rash illness suggestive of measles to help with early identification of potential cases and to assist in preventing the spread of disease in Maine.

Measles is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by a virus and is spread from person to person through the air by infectious droplets. Symptoms include fever, runny nose, cough, loss of appetite, pink eye, and a rash. The rash usually lasts 5 – 6 days, beginning at the hairline, moving to the face and upper neck, and proceeding down the body.

Diagnosis

Maine CDC requests that clinicians report suspect case of measles to 1-800-821-5821 and advising suspect patients to remain at home until test results are known to prevent exposing others to the measles virus.

Measles testing is available at Maine’s Health and Environmental Testing Laboratory (HETL). Laboratory tests for acute measles infection include viral culture, serology, and PCR. Acceptable specimens include throat swabs, NP swabs, urine, and blood (requires acute and convalescent specimens). http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/etl/micro/measles_lsis.pdf

Case Management

It takes an average of 10 – 12 days from exposure to the first symptom which is usually fever. The measles rash does not usually appear until approximately 14 days after exposure. Measles is infectious for 4 days prior to 4 days after the onset of rash. All suspect patients should be placed in a separate waiting area or a private room with negative pressure.

Control Measures

Maine CDC will work with patients, and clinicians to identify all exposed contacts and to assess individuals for evidence of immunity. Measles vaccine may prevent disease if given within 72 hours of exposure.

Vaccinate

· Children. All children >12 months of age should receive their first dose of MMR at the 12-15 month routine health care visit, and every effort should be made to identify and vaccinate children who are not up-to date. All school-aged children should have two doses of MMR vaccine.

· Adults. All adults should have acceptable proof of immunity to measles. Certain groups at high risk should have received two doses of MMR, such as international travelers, health care workers, and college students. Women are advised not to receive any live virus vaccine during pregnancy including MMR.

Please report any suspicious cases and suspect cases of measles to Maine CDC at 1-800-821-5821

Do you know the signs of stroke?

2011-05-02T09:53:00.002-04:00

Tyra Tarbox is a 45 year old mother of four from Cumberland who suffered a significant seizure resulting in a stroke late one evening after returning home from work. Luckily, her husband was there and he took quick action, calling 911. She was rushed to the hospital, evaluated, and quickly flown to a Boston hospital for surgery.

When she awoke six days later, Tyra had no body movement and could not move her eyes to the right. She had survived not only a stroke, but also a series of complications resulting from her brain’s lack of blood. After almost a month of inpatient rehabilitation in Portland, she returned home on her husband’s birthday and is now leading a full life.

Tyra’s story is one of many stories of Mainers who have had a stroke. Unfortunately, not all the stories end so happily. Stroke is the fourth leading cause of death in Maine and the United States and is also a leading cause of serious long-term disability in adults. The Maine CDC/DHHS Cardiovascular Health Program is working with the Maine Affiliate of the American Stroke Association and other statewide partners to help more Mainers recognize the symptoms of stroke and the importance of calling 911 at the first sign of stroke.

To bring attention to National Stroke Awareness Month, Tyra Tarbox will join statewide partners working to improve stroke systems of care at the American Stroke Association Legislative Awareness Day on Tuesday, May 3, 2011, from 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM at the Maine State House in the Hall of Flags.

Early recognition of stroke symptoms is critical – time lost is brain lost. Stroke symptoms include sudden:

Numbness or weakness in the face, arm or leg
Slurred speech
Blurred vision
Dizziness or loss of balance
Severe headache

“A patient’s survival and successful recovery are greatly increased if symptoms are recognized quickly and medical attention is given right away,” said Dr. Stephen Sears, Acting Director Maine CDC/DHHS. “Our goal is to raise awareness and empower everyone — patient and bystander — to see stroke as a medical emergency requiring an immediate call to 911. If we increase people’s ability to recognize stroke symptoms, we can positively impact patients and hopefully increase their chance of having little or no long-term physical or mental disability.”

Nearly 75% of all strokes occur in people aged 65 years and older. Risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, lack of physical activity, poor nutrition, and a history of cardiovascular disease or diabetes also increase the possibility of stroke.

More information is available at the following websites: www.mainehearthealth.org and www.strokeassociation.org.

May Awareness Campaigns

2011-05-01T09:44:00.000-04:00

May is a busy month for awareness campaigns. It’s National Arthritis Awareness Month, Asthma Awareness Month, Healthy Vision Month, and Hepatitis Awareness Month.

Drinking Water Week is May 1-7. Followed by Women’s Health Week, which starts on Mother’s Day (May 8).

As the weather warms up and people spend more time outside, we also run into Lyme Disease Awareness Month and Skin Cancer Awareness Month. Heat Safety Awareness Day is May 27 and Recreational Water Illness and Injury Prevention Week is May 23-29.

May is also both High Blood Pressure Education Month and Stroke Awareness Month.

CDC Report Highlights Children’s Food Environment in Maine

2011-04-29T16:00:00.000-04:00

A report out from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention this week shows that Maine is doing better than the nation at improving access to healthy foods for its children — one piece of the puzzle in fighting childhood obesity — but that there is still more work to be done. The 2011 Children’s Food Environment State Indicator Report notes that Maine is above the national averages when it comes to providing access to healthy foods in Maine communities.

“States and communities are uniquely positioned to help improve the food environment for children where they live, play, and learn,” said William Dietz, M.D., Ph.D., director of CDC's Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity. “If we hope to reverse the trend of childhood obesity, we need to work together at the local, state, and national level to create environments that support healthy eating for children.”

The report looked closely at each state to examine community food environments in order to understand the types of foods most accessible to children and their families on a daily basis. The report looked at the variety of food retailers in each state and categorized them into two different groups: food retailers that typically sell healthier foods such as supermarkets, supercenters and produce stores and those retailers that are less likely to sell healthy food such as fast-food restaurants and convenience stores. Maine and Montana were among the higher scoring states with a score of 15 and 16 respectively, compared to the national average of 10; lower scoring states were Rhode Island at 5 followed by the District of Columbia at a score of 4. A score of 100 would mean all food retailers in a community provide access to healthy foods. It is clear all states need to improve accessibility to healthier foods, but the ideal target score for a state was not given in the report.

The CDC report also shows that as of December 2008, Maine had enacted one of the state child care licensure regulations of three listed in the report as important indicators: limiting screen time (television and video) for all child care facilities. Only one state had enacted all of the regulations, while 13 states and the District of Columbia had enacted none.

Additionally, for the school foods indicator Maine outperformed the national average with respect to the number of middle and high schools that do not allow students to purchase less healthy foods outside the usual school lunch (such as in vending machines and school stores). About 66% of Maine schools do not allow the purchase of less healthy foods; above the national average of 49%. Maine also has more middle and high schools that do not offer sugar drinks — 44% don’t offer sugar drinks compared to the national average of only 36% that don’t.

“It is wonderful to see that our state is performing better than most of the nation to improve access to healthy foods for our children,” said Stephen Sears, M.D., MPH, Acting Director, Maine CDC. “Our progress in this area is due to the commitment, hard work and collaboration of Maine people, local efforts such as Communities Putting Prevention to Work and Healthy Maine Partnerships, and others who partner with the Maine CDC such as the Maine Nutrition Network and the Maine-Harvard Prevention Research Center. However, there is still much to be done if we are to reduce childhood obesity rates in Maine — one out of every three of our children is currently overweight or obese.”

Maine is currently working in many ways to improve access to healthier foods for all residents, particularly children. These efforts include creating positive food and physical activity environments in child care settings, growing already thriving farm-to-school programs in schools and making strides to meet the USDA definition of a healthier school environment in all of Maine’s schools.

The Children’s Food Environment State Indicator Report compiles data from a variety of sources, including Preventing Obesity in the Child Care Setting: Evaluating State Regulations and CDC’s School Health Profiles. To view the full CDC report visit www.cdc.gov/obesity.

Browntail Moths

2011-04-28T09:45:00.000-04:00

Browntail moths make their webs in the fall in oak, apple, serviceberry and other trees and shrubs. Hairs from the larvae can cause a rash similar to poison ivy and can also cause respiratory distress in sensitive individuals. The larvae begin to emerge from their webs in late April and feed on the foliage as soon as it appears. Larvae hairs persist for a number of years and can continue to cause problems when mowing or other activities stir them up.

The browntail moth population has intensified in the southern Merrymeeting Bay area, which may mean more people are at risk of exposure to the larvae hairs. The area primarily affected by this insect includes parts of Bath, West Bath, Brunswick, Topsham and Bowdoinham; other affected towns include Augusta, Falmouth, Freeport, Kennebunkport, Lewiston, Lisbon Falls, Turner, and Wiscassett.

Most people developing the rash will do so within hours of outdoor activity. The duration of the rash varies, from hours to days.

For more information from the Maine Forest Service: http://www.state.me.us/doc/mfs/fhm/pages/BrowntailMoth.htm

Salmonella risk

2011-04-14T09:21:00.001-04:00

Now is the time to remind people about the risk of Salmonella infection from handling live baby chicks, often purchased as Easter presents. There has already been one case of salmonellosis in a Maine child in 2011 after contact with baby chicks that were kept inside.

Salmonella causes diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps and can be life-threatening in infants, children under five years of age, and in people with weakened immune systems. The stress of hatching and shipping many chicks at one time increases the chance that the chicks will become infected and shed bacteria. Baby chicks do not usually seem sick even when they are infected.

What can parents do to keep children safe?

It is best if infants and children under five do not touch chicks. If they do, take the following steps to lower the spread of bacteria:

· Supervise children while playing with baby chicks.

· Do not allow children to kiss or put hands or other objects (pacifiers, toys, bottles) in their mouths after handling chicks.

· Pacifiers, toys, bottles, or other objects should not touch the baby chicks or their living environment.

· Wash children’s hands well with plenty of running water and soap after contact with chicks.

· Keep chicks away from food handling areas.

· Do not eat or drink while interacting with baby chicks or their environment.

· If baby chicks are kept inside due to cold weather, keep them away from living spaces.

If your child has had contact with baby chicks and gets diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps, contact your healthcare provider.

For more information: www.cdc.gov/healthypets/easter_chicks.htm or call 1-800-821-5821.

April Awareness Campaigns

2011-04-04T09:56:00.001-04:00

April is a busy month for awareness campaigns. Check out the following topics:

National Public Health Week, April 4-10

World Health Day, April 7

National Infant Immunization Week, April 23-30

National Autism Awareness Month

National Cancer Control Month

National Donate Life Month

National Minority Health Month

STD Awareness Month

2011 County Health Rankings

2011-03-30T15:57:00.001-04:00

Hancock County has the healthiest residents in Maine and Oxford County remains the least healthy county in the state, according to the second annual County Health Rankings, released today by the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute with funding from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. According to the Rankings, residents of Oxford County are more likely to die a premature death than those in Hancock County.

Rankings were completed in all 50 states, including Maine. Counties were ranked within states only, with no comparison between states. Full Maine rankings are available at: http://www.countyhealthrankings.org/maine/downloads-and-links

The report helps identify factors that influence health in each county. All counties in Maine, regardless of their ranking, have both strengths to celebrate and challenges to address.

For years, public health data have shown that many counties in Maine with lower incomes and educational attainment are less healthy. Such disparities continue to be reflected in these rankings. However, the report also shows significant variation. For instance, some counties with similar socioeconomic profiles have very different rankings for health factors and outcomes, suggesting that a complex array of factors influences the health of our communities.

Although some of our counties have better health outcomes than others, it is important to note that overall Maine is one of the healthiest states in the nation. Maine ranked as the 8th healthiest state in the country for 2010 by the United Health Foundation’s America’s Health Rankings. Maine also ranks 4th overall for child health in a new Commonwealth Fund state-by-state scorecard. These positive state rankings reflect a concerted effort to address health challenges through collaboration of a variety of public health stakeholders at the local, regional and state levels.

Maine’s public health system is charged with using a variety of data sources, including rankings such as these, to improve the health of all communities in Maine. Significant health improvement planning efforts are underway at the local, district, and state levels.

The University of Wisconsin also provided District Rankings this year to coincide with the 8 geographic public health districts in the state. In the District Rankings, Cumberland is the healthiest district and Aroostook is least healthy

Influenza Update

2011-03-23T09:28:00.002-04:00

There were four new outbreaks of influenza in the week ending March 19, compared with nine the previous week. There has been one pediatric influenza-associated death reported from York in a vaccinated child. Flu continues to be widespread in Maine.

Vaccination is still recommended for those who have not been vaccinated this season. One flu vaccine is protective for the entire flu season, and a second dose is not recommended for adults, even if they were vaccinated early in the fall.

Two doses of flu vaccine are only recommended for young children who have never been vaccinated before. Children younger than 9 who have never had a seasonal flu vaccine should receive two doses, spaced at least 4 weeks apart.

Weekly updates on flu activity are available

For Maine
For the US
For the world

World Water Day

2011-03-22T08:40:00.002-04:00

World Water Day is held every year on March 22 to highlight the importance of the availability of clean freshwater and the key role that water plays around the world.

This year’s theme is “Water for Cities: Responding to the Urban Challenge,” designed to bring awareness to the rapid growth of the world’s population in urban areas and the increasing demand for clean freshwater.

In Maine, we are fortunate to have abundant, clean, and safe drinking water. However, in many parts of the world, access to safe, clean water is scarce. According to UNICEF estimates, over 884 million people lack access to safe drinking water worldwide.

If you have a private well, make sure you know your well is safe. Test your water. For more information on testing your well, visit http://wellwater.maine.gov.

For information on public water systems in Maine, visit the Maine CDC Drinking Water Program.

Natural Disasters and Public Health

2011-03-17T09:22:00.001-04:00

There are many public health concerns as a result of natural disasters, such as the recent earthquakes and tsunami. The US CDC’s natural disasters website has helpful information for those who may be involved with relief efforts or who are interested in improving their preparations here at home.

Radiation concerns

Maine CDC's Radiation Control Program is following events in Japan closely. Several federal agencies with expertise in radiation control are closely monitoring the problems occurring at the nuclear power plant in Japan including the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Energy, and the Department of Homeland Security Federal Emergency Management Agency.

While no radiation from Japan has been detected in the United States, and it is presently unlikely that any will be, we will continue to closely monitor the situation as it continues to unfold. There are three separate air sampler stations located in Orono, Augusta, and Portland that monitor ambient air regularly. These samplers would detect any unusual levels of radiation in the air. Further updates will be forthcoming.

Maine CDC's Radiation Control Program has posted frequently asked questions about Japan and radiation and information about Potassium Iodide.

UPDATE: A web site with various federal resources and information has been established at http://www.usa.gov/Japan2011.shtml

National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day

2011-03-09T09:47:00.002-05:00

Tomorrow is National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, which is coordinated by the national Office on Women's Health. Women make up a quarter of all new HIV infections in Maine. Every 35 minutes, a woman tests positive for HIV in the US. In 2010, 20% of people accessing HIV medical case management in Maine were women.

Women have unique issues and special challenges that make it harder for them to prevent HIV or take care of themselves if they have HIV:

Women's bodies are different. A woman is twice as likely as a man to get HIV infection during vaginal sex (because the lining of the vagina provides a large area of potential exposure to HIV-infected semen). Some diseases or disorders unique to women make HIV more serious.
Women can give HIV to their babies. Women who have HIV can give it to their babies during pregnancy, delivery, or breast-feeding.
Women may lack control in relationships: they may be scared to refuse sex or insist that their partner use a condom, or can’t talk to their partner about abstinence, faithfulness, or using condoms.
Women may not know if their partner is doing things that put him (and therefore her) at risk for HIV.
Women may not earn much money, which makes it hard for them to pay doctors or even get a ride to their doctor appointments. In extreme instances, some women even end up trading sex for money or drugs.
Women may be caregivers for others and not feel they have the time to take care of themselves or are unable to find someone to take care of their loved ones when they want to access services. Women may not earn much money, which makes it hard for them to pay doctors or even get a ride to their doctor appointments. In extreme instances, some women even end up trading sex for money or drugs.

What can providers do?

Emphasize and make HIV testing a routine part of health care. Integrate HIV testing into reproductive health care and other key services.
Reach out and educate, especially among young women and women of color. Many women want more information and are most likely to get it from doctors, other women with HIV/AIDS, the Internet, television, and radio.
Decrease mother-to-child transmission by testing, educating, and treating.
Prevent new infections by working with HIV-infected partners.
Improve access to care and support services for women, as well as support women’s roles as caregivers and mothers.

HIV test sites in Maine

Pertussis Update

2011-03-04T09:00:00.000-05:00

Since January 1, 2011, there have been 28 cases of pertussis (whooping cough) reported to Maine CDC. Cases have been reported in Cumberland, Hancock, Kennebec, Oxford, Penobscot, Piscataquis, Somerset and Waldo counties. Cases range in age from 1 month to 57 years.

Coughing fits due to pertussis infection can last for up to 10 weeks or more; sometimes known as the “100-day cough.” Pertussis can cause serious illness in infants, children, and adults and can even be life-threatening, especially in infants. More than half of infants less than 1 year of age who get pertussis must be hospitalized.

The most effective way to prevent pertussis is through vaccination with DTaP for infants and children and with Tdap for pre-teens, teens and adults — protection from the childhood vaccine fades over time. Pertussis is generally treated with antibiotics, which are used to control the symptoms and to prevent infected people from spreading the disease.

The December 20, 2010, Health Alert on pertussis is available at: http://www.maine.gov/tools/whatsnew/attach.php?id=173192&an=2

For more information about pertussis, visit: http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/boh/ddc/epi/vaccine/pertussis.shtml

Tdap Vaccination Strategies

Representatives from the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, US CDC, the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases, and the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America co-authored a report titled Tdap Vaccination Strategies for Adolescents and Adults, Including Health Care Personnel, which is available at http://www.jointcommission.org/tdap/

The report is intended to help health care organizations of all types (hospitals, long term care facilities, ambulatory settings, home health organizations, etc.) improve Tdap vaccination rates.

The report notes that some important changes to the previously published ACIP recommendations were approved at the October 2010 ACIP meeting:

For adults ages 65 years and older, a single dose of Tdap vaccine may be given in place of a tetanus and diphtheria toxoids (Td) vaccine in persons who have not received Tdap.
Adults ages 65 years and older who have or anticipate having close contact with an infant age less than 12 months should receive a single dose of Tdap to protect against pertussis and reduce the likelihood of transmission of pertussis to infants age less than 12 months.
Tdap can be administered regardless of the interval since the last tetanus- or diphtheria-containing vaccine.
Children ages 7 through 10 years who are not fully immunized against pertussis and for whom no contraindication to pertussis vaccines exists should receive a single dose of Tdap to provide protection against pertussis. If additional doses of tetanus and diphtheria toxoid–containing vaccines are needed, then children ages 7 through 10 years should be vaccinated according to catch-up guidance.

PCR Diagnosing of Pertussis – Best Practices

US CDC has issued a Health Alert on the best practices for health care professionals related to the use of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for diagnosing pertussis in light of the continuing resurgence of pertussis and the likelihood that health care professionals will see more patients with suspected pertussis.

For guidance in distinguishing signs and symptoms of pertussis from those of other conditions, see http://www.cdc.gov/pertussis/clinical/features.html
For more information on diagnostic testing, see http://www.cdc.gov/pertussis/clinical/diagnostic-testing/diagnosis-confirmation.html
For information on specimen collection, see http://www.cdc.gov/pertussis/clinical/diagnostic-testing/specimen-collection.html
For the entire guidance on PCR best practices in diagnosing pertussis, see http://www.cdc.gov/pertussis/clinical/diagnostic-testing/diagnosis-pcr-bestpractices.html

Influenza Update 3/3/11

2011-03-03T11:58:00.000-05:00

Surveillance

Flu is widespread in Maine. In the week ending Feb. 19, there were 12 new outbreaks – 10 in long term care facilities, 1 in a K-12 school, and 1 in an institution.

Weekly updates on flu activity are available

For Maine: http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/boh/influenza_surveillance_weekly_updates.shtml
For the US: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/summary.htm
For the world: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/international/activity.htm

The January 31 Health Alert on influenza is available at: http://www.maine.gov/tools/whatsnew/attach.php?id=191687&an=2

Vaccination

Some people have expressed concern about needing a second flu vaccine if they were vaccinated early in the fall. One flu vaccine is protective for the entire flu season and a second dose is not recommended for adults.

An MMWR from August 2010 notes that “additional vaccine doses during the same season do not increase the antibody response” and that the “frequency of breakthrough infections is not known to be higher among those who were vaccinated early in the season.”

It is not too late to be vaccinated against the flu this season. To obtain flu vaccine, contact your health care provider, or look up clinics at www.flu.gov or www.211maine.org

Update on HIV, STDs, and Viral Hepatitis

2011-02-18T08:54:00.003-05:00

The Maine HIV, STD, and Viral Hepatitis program has updated its web site. For easy access to information and resources, check out www.mainepublichealth.gov/hivstdhep

The Sixth Annual Comprehensive Sexuality Education Conference will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. April 7 at the Augusta Civic Center.

Keynote speaker is Pamela Wilson, M.S.W., author of Our Whole lives: Sexuality Education for Grades 7-9. Workshops focus on foundational knowledge and skills, networking opportunities, and innovative ideas to put into practice.

The cost is $40 before March 18 and $50 after March 18.

The conference is co-sponsored by: Family Planning Association of Maine; Maine Department of Education; Maine Center for Disease Control & Prevention, an Office of the Department of Health & Human Services; New Beginnings; University of Maine Farmington; and the Maine Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance.

For more information and to register: https://www.mainefamilyplanning.org/forms/conference_form.php

HIV

The Institute of Medicine (IOM) has released the report HIV Screening and Access to Care: Exploring the Impact of Policies on Access to and Provision of HIV Care. The report examines how Federal and State laws and policies and private health insurance policies affect entry into clinical care and the provision of continuous and sustained care for people with HIV.

US CDC has published an article on disparities in HIV diagnoses among African Americans and other racial and ethnic minorities.

STDs

US CDC published the article “Discordant Results from Reverse Sequence Syphilis Screening” in the MMWR.

Viral Hepatitis

US CDC has made new patient education materials related to hepatitis available on its website.

The following articles have been published in the MMWR:

Update on Vaccine Preventable Diseases

2011-02-17T08:52:00.000-05:00

Recommended Immunization Schedules for Children

Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has issued its annual Recommended Immunization Schedules for Persons Aged 0 Through 18 Years: http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm6005a6.htm?s_cid=tw_mmwr90

National Vaccine Plan

The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services has unveiled a new National Vaccine Plan to enhance coordination of all aspects of federal vaccine and immunization activities. Its goal is to ensure that all Americans can access the preventive benefits of vaccines. http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2011pres/02/20110216b.html

Tdap Vaccination Strategies

Representatives from the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases, and the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America co-authored a report titled Tdap Vaccination Strategies for Adolescents and Adults, Including Health Care Personnel, which is available at http://www.jointcommission.org/tdap/

The report is intended to help health care organizations of all types (hospitals, long term care facilities, ambulatory settings, home health organizations, etc.) improve Tdap vaccination rates.

The report notes that some important changes to the previously published ACIP recommendations were approved at the October 2010 ACIP meeting:

For adults ages 65 years and older, a single dose of Tdap vaccine may be given in place of a tetanus and diphtheria toxoids (Td) vaccine in persons who have not received Tdap.
Adults ages 65 years and older who have or anticipate having close contact with an infant age less than 12 months should receive a single dose of Tdap to protect against pertussis and reduce the likelihood of transmission of pertussis to infants age less than 12 months.
Tdap can be administered regardless of the interval since the last tetanus- or diphtheria-containing vaccine.
Children ages 7 through 10 years who are not fully immunized against pertussis and for whom no contraindication to pertussis vaccines exists should receive a single dose of Tdap to provide protection against pertussis. If additional doses of tetanus and diphtheria toxoid–containing vaccines are needed, then children ages 7 through 10 years should be vaccinated according to catch-up guidance.

PCR Diagnosing of Pertussis – Best Practices

For guidance in distinguishing signs and symptoms of pertussis from those of other conditions, see http://www.cdc.gov/pertussis/clinical/features.html
For more information on diagnostic testing, see http://www.cdc.gov/pertussis/clinical/diagnostic-testing/diagnosis-confirmation.html
For information on specimen collection, see http://www.cdc.gov/pertussis/clinical/diagnostic-testing/specimen-collection.html
For the entire guidance on PCR best practices in diagnosing pertussis, see http://www.cdc.gov/pertussis/clinical/diagnostic-testing/diagnosis-pcr-bestpractices.html

Influenza Update

Flu is widespread in Maine. In the week ending Feb. 12, there were seven new outbreaks – one in a long term care facility and six in K-12 schools. It is not too late to be vaccinated against the flu this season. To obtain flu vaccine, contact your health care provider, or look up clinics at www.flu.gov or www.211maine.org

Weekly updates on flu activity are available

For Maine: http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/boh/influenza_surveillance_weekly_updates.shtml
For the US: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/summary.htm
For the world: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/international/activity.htm

What do you know about cardiovascular disease?

2011-02-04T09:09:00.003-05:00

It’s American Heart Month and this month’s edition of US CDC’s Vital Signs focuses on cardiovascular disease and what we can do to increase control of high blood pressure and cholesterol -- reducing the number of heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular diseases.

Today is National Wear Red Day, established to raise awareness about heart disease in women. Heart disease is the number one killer of women. It can begin early, even in the teen years. A woman's risk for heart disease rises between the ages of 40 and 60. No matter how old you are, you can take steps to lower your risk for heart disease.

Cardiovascular disease claims the lives of more than 800,000 adults each year, 150,000 of whom are under the age of 65. Every 39 seconds, an adult dies from a cardiovascular disease such as a heart attack or stroke. Know what to ask your doctor if you have high blood pressure. Know the signs and symptoms of heart attack.

Managing your cholesterol is another way to help keep your heart healthy.

Check out My Life Check from the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association. For more information on cardiovascular health, visit http://www.mainehearthealth.org/

Combat cervical cancer through regular screening

2011-01-13T08:41:00.000-05:00

Early detection continues to be the best way to combat breast and cervical cancer. The Maine Breast and Cervical Health Program (MBCHP) is a comprehensive breast and cervical cancer early detection program housed within Maine CDC’s Division of Chronic Disease. The program’s mission is to help low-income, uninsured and underinsured women gain access to breast and cervical cancer screening and diagnostic services to support and enhance breast and cervical cancer control activities statewide.

January is Cervical Health Awareness Month. To date, more than 318 breast cancers and 86 cervical cancer/pre-cancerous conditions have been detected because of the quality and timely services delivered by MBCHP providers statewide.

What do you know about radon?

2011-01-12T09:38:00.000-05:00

January is National Radon Action Month. Radon is a radioactive gas that is formed from naturally occurring elements in rocks and soil. It can filter through soil and enter the basement of a home. It can also dissolve in the water and be released to the air in the home as you use the water. Radium and uranium, the naturally occurring elements that produce radon, can also dissolve in well water. These elements emit a type of radiation known as alpha radiation. Some people who drink water with high levels of alpha emitters over many years may have an increased risk of getting cancer and other health problems.

Radon and other alpha emitters can be detected through laboratory tests. These test kits are available at the Maine Health and Environmental Testing Laboratory and at private laboratories.

Maine CDC’s Radiation Control Program provides free information packets on different aspects of radon.

January is National Birth Defects Prevention Month

2011-01-11T09:28:00.000-05:00

Birth defects affect approximately one in 33 newborns and are a leading cause of infant mortality in the United States. Congenital heart defects affect nearly 1% of all babies born in the US.

This year, National Birth Defects Prevention Month focuses on medication use before, during, and after pregnancy. This includes over-the-counter or prescription medications and herbal or dietary products, such as folic acid. Below you will find links that provide further information and materials to have a healthy pregnancy.

The Maine Birth Defects Program (MBDP) was established by law in 1999 and is designed to be a central source of information on the occurrence of birth defects in Maine. Check out these additional resources.

Stay safe and healthy this winter

2011-01-10T09:37:00.002-05:00

Winter storms and cold temperatures can be hazardous, but if you plan ahead, you can stay safe and healthy. Maine CDC has updated its Winter Health web site with current information on safe wood burning, carbon monoxide poisoning prevention, and hypothermia prevention.

Additional Information and Resources

Maine Prepares winter safety and preparedness information from MEMA
Winter weather health from US CDC
Winter weather preparedness from FEMA
Cold stress information for outdoor workers from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health and OSHA
Monitor Maine-specific information from the National Weather Service
Road conditions

Food safety

2011-01-07T09:35:00.000-05:00

About 48 million people (1 in 6 Americans) get sick; 128,000 are hospitalized; and 3,000 die each year from foodborne diseases, according to new estimates from US CDC. The Food Safety Modernization Act brings sweeping improvements to the security and safety of our nation’s food supply.

For more information, see this Q&A from from the US Food & Drug Administration (FDA).

Increase in pertussis

2011-01-06T09:34:00.001-05:00

Since November 1, 2010, there have been 14 cases of pertussis (whooping cough) reported to Maine CDC. Cases have been reported in Cumberland, Aroostook, Androscoggin, and Hancock counties with an identified cluster of cases in Penobscot county. Cases range in age from 7 years to 60 years. For the same time frame in 2009, 7 cases of pertussis were reported.

Coughing fits due to pertussis infection can last for up to 10 weeks or more; sometimes known as the “100 day cough.” Pertussis can cause serious illness in infants, children and adults and can even be life-threatening, especially in infants. More than half of infants less than 1 year of age who get pertussis must be hospitalized.

For more information, see this Health Alert.

Influenza Update

2011-01-06T09:33:00.001-05:00

A report detailing Maine CDC’s response to the 2009 H1N1 pandemic and recommendations for similar events is now available on our web site. The 2009 H1N1 Influenza Pandemic After Action Summary includes a discussion of events and actions, findings from evaluation activities and debriefings, recommendations, and current progress.

Sporadic seasonal flu activity has been reported in Maine for the past week. Weekly updates on flu activity in Maine are available at http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/boh/influenza_surveillance_weekly_updates.shtml

Weekly updates for the US are available at http://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/summary.htm and international updates are available at http://www.cdc.gov/flu/international/activity.htm.

New acting director at Maine CDC

2011-01-05T09:32:00.000-05:00

Stephen D. Sears, MD, MPH is the Acting Director of Maine CDC. Dr. Sears has been the State Epidemiologist for almost a year. A well-known infectious disease physician, Dr. Sears joined Maine CDC after being Vice President for Medical Administration and Chief Quality Officer at Mercy Hospital. He had previously been the Chief Medical Officer at MaineGeneral Health.

Dr. Dora Anne Mills has resigned after 14 and a half years as Maine’s public health director. She has joined the Office of MaineCare Services as Medical Director.

New plans for Commissioner Harvey and Dr. Mills

2010-12-20T09:54:00.001-05:00

After 5 years as Commissioner of Maine DHHS, Brenda Harvey recently announced her plans to become the Executive Director of the New England States Consortium Systems Organization (NESCSO). NESCSO is a non-profit organization affiliated with the University of Massachusetts Medical School whose mission is to foster communication and collaboration among the New England States through information-sharing and joint projects, with the goal of maximizing policy, program and cost effectiveness of Medicaid programs and other human services.

After 14 and a half years as Maine’s public health director (Director of Maine Bureau of Health or of Maine CDC), Dr. Dora Anne Mills announced her plans to become the Medical Director of MaineCare. As such, she will be responsible for overseeing the quality of health care delivered to MaineCare members as well as overseeing their health status. Dr. Rod Prior will continue his work in federally-funded health information technology initiatives at MaineCare. Dr. Stephen Sears, our State Epidemiologist, will become Acting Director of Maine CDC.

Both Commissioner Harvey and Dr. Mills plan to start their new jobs in January.

Healthy People

2010-12-20T09:52:00.000-05:00

HEALTHY PEOPLE 2020 LAUNCH

Healthy People 2020 (HP2020), the decade’s public health plan for the country, was released last week. Maine, along with all other states, is expected to start creating its version of this plan in the coming months. Maine has the added perspective of 2020 being our bicentennial. The HP2020 website can be found at: http://www.healthypeople.gov/2020/default.aspx

HEALTHY MAINE 2010: HOW DID WE DO?

As we approach the Healthy Maine 2020 planning process, you may be wondering how we did with the Healthy Maine 2010 goals and objectives. We have just posted graphs showing progress on these. They are in both PDF and Power Point format. There were a total of about 140 Healthy Maine 2010 objectives. Although some could not be tracked throughout the decade, most can be found on this updated website: http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/boh/healthy_maine/index.shtml.

Quick Guide to Holiday Health

2010-12-16T12:07:00.004-05:00

Already stressed about the holidays? Check these quick tips to make sure you stay safe and enjoy the season:

Did you know it’s not safe to leave raw or cooked turkey (or any perishable food) at room temperature for more than two hours? Otherwise, you’re creating the perfect conditions for dangerous bacteria to multiply rapidly. A woman in Missouri recently died and several others got sick from E. coli apparently contracted from a Thanksgiving meal. Check out these food safety tips to keep you and your guests healthy this holiday season.

Looking for last-minute gifts? This Massachusetts Department of Health blog has some fitness-related gift ideas, especially for those who want to be more healthy and active in the new year.

December is National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month. There have also been a lot of car accidents in recent storms. Whether you’re traveling for the holidays or not, drive safely this holiday season.

Remember that winter storms and cold temperatures can be hazardous. Prepare your home and cars. Keep emergency kits stocked. Be ready for power outages. Wear appropriate clothing. Check on children, the elderly and pets.

Follow these steps to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning:

Have your heating system, water heater and any other gas, oil, or coal burning appliances serviced by a qualified technician every year.
Don't use a gas-powered generator, charcoal grill, camp stove, or other gas or charcoal-burning device inside your home, basement, or garage or near a window or door. Generators should be more than 15 feet from your home when running.
Don't run a car, truck or any other motor inside a garage or other enclosed space, even if you leave the door open.
Don't try to heat your house with a gas oven.
Make sure you have a CO detector with a battery back-up in your home near where people sleep. Check or replace the battery when you change the time on your clocks each spring and fall. You can buy an alarm at most hardware stores or stores that sell smoke detectors. By law, all rental units must have a CO alarm—talk to your landlord if you don’t have one in your apartment or rental house.
If your CO alarm goes off, get out of the house right away and call 911. Get prompt medical attention if you suspect CO poisoning and are feeling dizzy, light-headed, or nauseous.

US CDC has lots of other tips for staying healthy this holiday season, including a song.